The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), led by AFC Club Licensing consultant Mr. Jeysing Mutiah and Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Club Licensing Manager Ms. Andrea Laurel conducted the AFC Club Licensing System Compliance Audit to three (3) Philippines Football League clubs last 21-25 May 2018.
The audits were done in accordance with Article 13.2 of the AFC Club Licensing Regulations. Activities during the compliance audit included the meeting with the PFF Club Licensing Department and the verification of documents, which were submitted to PFF in granting the club license.
Mr. Mutiah and Ms. Laurel also administered on-site visits to Philippines Football League clubs Global Cebu FC (22 May in Manila), Ceres Negros FC (23 May in Bacolod), and Kaya FC Iloilo (24 May in Manila). The clubs were assessed on the following criteria based on the AFC Club Licensing Regulations – Sporting, Infrastructure, Personnel and Administrative, Legal, and Financial.
Global Cebu, Ceres Negros, and Kaya Iloilo were granted the AFC Club License last year. The issuance of the AFC Club License allows clubs to participate in AFC club competitions such as the AFC Champions League and the AFC Cup in 2018.
PFF general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes thanked Mr. Mutiah following the conclusion of the AFC Club Licensing Compliance Audit.
“We thank Mr. Jeysing Mutiah for his time and effort to conduct compliance audits to the PFL clubs. The PFF has been running the Club Licensing since 2016 to ensure clubs continue to modernize themselves, by adapting and complying with the AFC and PFF Club Licensing Regulations, and to become full-fledged professional football clubs,” said Gastanes. “The implementation of Club Licensing in the Philippines is only in its infancy and has its challenges. Nevertheless, clubs must understand that this is an integral step to develop, enhance, and professionalize club football in the country. The fulfilment of these club licensing regulations will mold PFL clubs from just a football team into a professional football club. Indeed, if clubs want to be considered in the same breath alongside the professional football clubs from the likes of Thailand or Japan, then they must observe and abide by the Club Licensing Regulations as a first step.
