The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has adopted the PFF Club Licensing Regulations since 29 July 2017. The regulations provide the proper process and requirements for professional football clubs to obtain a club license to participate in PFF Club Competitions.

Applicant clubs must comply with the five (5) criteria stipulated in the regulations: Sporting, Infrastructure, Personnel and Administrative, Legal, and Financial. The criteria in the regulations are graded into three separate categories: “A” criteria (mandatory), “B” criteria, and “C” criteria.

The PFF Club Licensing has two decision making bodies to ensure that PFF, as the licensor, grants a club license to deserving professional football clubs. They are the First Instance Body (FIB) and the Appeals Body.

The two bodies are independent. The said bodies also requires at least one (1) qualified lawyer and an auditor holding a qualification by the appropriate national professional body among their members.

Applicant football clubs submit to PFF the requirements for club licensing. PFF, as licensor, recommends the application to the FIB.

The FIB decides on whether a license should be granted to an applicant club on the basis of the documents provided and in accordance with the provisions of the PFF Club Licensing Regulations at the submission deadline set by the licensor and on whether a license shall be withdrawn upon the application of the PFF Club Licensing Manager.

The FIB has a minimum of three members to have a quorum. It is headed by Atty. Roland Tulay as chairperson.

The Appeals Body, meanwhile, decides on appeals submitted in writing and makes a final and binding decision on whether a license should be granted. Appeals may only be lodged by the license applicant who received refusal of the FIB, the licensee whose license was withdrawn by the FIB, or the Club License Manager on behalf of the licensor.

The Appeals Body makes its decision based on the decision of the FIB and all evidence and documents provided by the license applicant or licensor before the FIB.

The Appeals Body has a minimum of three members to have a quorum. It is led by Atty. Rene Pilapil, Jr. as chairperson.

Philippine football clubs interested to participate in any PFF Club Competitions must go through this process to apply for a club license.

Clubs who want to join the top tier league in 2020 are required to lodge their application in 2019, or a year before the league season the club wants to participate.

Football clubs interested to apply for a club license may contact the PFF Club Licensing Unit at phifootballfederation@gmail.com, with attention to Ms. Andrea Laurel, PFF Club Licensing Manager.

Downloads:
PFF Club Licensing Regulations 2017
AFC Club Licensing Regulations