The Philippines Football League brought to you by Qatar Airways season 2022/23 resumes on the weekend of 18 and 19 February 2023 with three matches at stake.
The first out of town match of the year will be hosted by league leaders Kaya FC-Iloilo, who plays third placer Dynamic Herb Cebu FC in the Visayas Derby at the Iloilo Sports Complex on 19 February.
The weekend is opened by Mendiola FC 1991 vs United City FC, and Maharlika Manila FC taking on Stallion Laguna FC on Saturday 18 February. Kickoff times will be announced soon.
The first half of the season saw 39 matches already played, with two (2) cancelled matches under deliberation by the tournament committee. Kaya emerged at the top of the midseason standings with 30 points, while United City are in second place with 24 points followed by Dynamic Herb Cebu with 21 points.
The Azkals Development Team and Stallion Laguna (15 points apiece), Mendiola (6 points), and Maharlika Manila (1 point) round up the standings.
The season also saw league matches played outside of Metropolitan Manila for the very first time since 2019 with Kaya edging United City, 2-1, at the Iloilo Sports Complex last 12 November 2022. Dynamic Herb Cebu also hosted its first two matches against Kaya and United City at the Dynamic HERB Sports Complex in Talisay, Cebu, while United City FC made their debut at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium against Azkals Development Team and Stallion Laguna.
“The Philippines Football League has already made its return to the domestic football scene last year and we are delighted to have witnessed league matches already played in front of capacity crowds in Iloilo and in Cebu,” said PFF president Mariano Araneta. “We hope that this trend reinvigorates fan support when the second half of league action kicks off next month.”
The second half of the league will run from 18 February until 11 June 2023 with 43 matches still to play for in the title race.
“We have a tight season ahead of us in the second half of the league season,” added PFF general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes. “We have seen clubs host their league matches in their respective nominated home venues, and this will result in increased visibility and fan support this season.”
Last December, PFF also announced the expansion of the Copa Paulino Alcantara 2023 to 16 participating teams with a target of 60 matches to be played from June to September 2023. PFF shall send out invitations to qualified and interested clubs/teams within the coming weeks in preparation for the cup season. A workshop shall then be conducted to discuss all match organizational matters.
“The expansion of the upcoming Copa Paulino Alcantara is a much needed shot in the arm to elevate the domestic club football scene. More teams means more matches and football experience.” added PFL Commissioner Mikhail Torre. “The expanded Cup shall serve as a benchmark on the quality of football amongst professional and amateur clubs and we hope to further grow the football pyramid in the near future.”