The Philippine Football Federation (“PFF”) and Liga Group Pilipinas, Inc. (“LGPI”), administrator of the Philippines Football League (“PFL”), issue this statement to clarify the circumstances surrounding One Taguig Football Club’s (“One Taguig FC”) non-participation in the PFL 2026/27 Season and its subsequent removal by the Asian Football Confederation (“AFC”) from the AFC Challenge League.
These outcomes arose from separate processes:
- compliance with PFL participation requirements; and,
- compliance with the mandatory criteria required by AFC regulations to receive (and maintain) a club license for AFC competition.
For the PFL 2026/27 Season, One Taguig FC did not complete the established participation requirements within the prescribed period, including submission of the Participating Team Agreement (“PTA”). The PTA is the primary document which governs the relationship between LGPI and each participating club.
As part of the registration process, all clubs were required to complete and submit the necessary participation documents, including the PTA, within the prescribed period. These requirements are essential to ensure proper league preparation, operational readiness, and fairness among all participating teams.
Importantly, well before the applicable participation deadlines, LGPI had proactively reached out to OTFC on several occasions to raise and assist in addressing concerns affecting the Club’s readiness and participation in the 2026/27 season. These efforts were intended to provide the Club with sufficient opportunity to resolve the relevant issues before the League was required to finalize its participating teams.
Despite these prior communications, reminders, and opportunities to comply, One Taguig FC was unable to complete the required submission and address the relevant requirements within the prescribed period. After the clubs that had complied with all participation requirements were notified of their entry into the competition, LGPI took into account One Taguig FC’s submissions and request for reconsideration, and acted on the matter in accordance with the PFL regulations and its responsibility as league administrator. This ensured that each club in the competition was treated equally and fairly.
For the AFC Challenge League 2026/27 competition, the PFF withdrew the club licence that it had previously granted to One Taguig FC after new information (which was voluntarily submitted by the club) about outstanding player and staff remuneration came to light.
Inconsistencies were detected between One Taguig FC’s licensing submissions made to PFF in March 2026 and information concerning outstanding player and staff remuneration that the club itself voluntarily provided to AFC in September 2026. That disclosure in September 2026 was made without a prior request from AFC and preceded AFC’s subsequent request for a detailed account. The relevant information therefore came from One Taguig FC’s own documents. To be clear, neither the PFF nor the LGPI required such submissions to AFC. One Taguig FC freely and voluntarily submitted information on unpaid player and staff salaries to AFC.
Outstanding obligations to players and staff, and the accuracy of the Club’s licensing submissions, were matters for regulatory assessment. They were not circumstances created by PFF or LGPI. Responsibility for accurate declarations, financial commitments, and compliance with mandatory requirements rests solely with One Taguig FC.
After investigating those inconsistencies, it was deemed appropriate that the independent PFF First Instance Body and, upon the club’s appeal, the PFF Club Licensing Appeal Body examine the license that was granted under the applicable regulations. AFC has since removed One Taguig FC from the AFC Challenge League. The decision concerning participation in that AFC competition rests with the competent AFC authorities; it is not a decision for LGPI to make or for PFF’s executive leadership to override.
PFF and LGPI categorically reject suggestions that they engineered or caused One Taguig FC’s removal. PFF’s role in administering the licensing framework established and mandated by the AFC must be distinguished from responsibility for One Taguig FC’s underlying obligations and submissions. One Taguig FC was afforded opportunities to present explanations, supporting documents, and an appeal through the prescribed process.
Public discussion must reflect the complete record. Accounts that omit One Taguig FC’s own disclosures on unpaid player and staff salaries and compliance responsibilities while attributing its difficulties to PFF or the LGPI mislead supporters and unfairly damage the reputation of the PFL, PFF, and Philippine football. Irresponsible blame-shifting must stop. Concerns and disagreements should be addressed truthfully and through the appropriate channels.
PFF and LGPI recognise the disappointment of the club’s players, staff, and supporters. Nevertheless, supporting a Philippine club does not permit the governing and administering bodies to disregard mandatory requirements or substitute their preferences for the decisions of the competent authorities.
LGPI remains willing to work constructively with One Taguig FC on resolving its participation issues and preparing for the next PFL season. This requires direct engagement with the League, respect for the applicable processes, and full compliance with the requirements and deadlines established for all clubs. Future participation remains subject to those conditions.
PFF and LGPI remain committed to responsible investment, sustainable clubs, player welfare, and a professional football system founded on fairness, transparency, and accountability.
