I. SCOPE

This Policy and Terms & Conditions apply to all online transactions facilitated by the Philippine Football Federation (“PFF”), including registration of players, coaches, clubs/teams, sales of merchandise, ticketing, digital content subscriptions, and any other services purchased through PFF’s official online platforms. All Users (registrants, buyers, or other parties) engaging in such transactions agree to abide by these terms. The Policy covers all fees, payments, and related processes administered via PFF’s website or mobile applications.

II. REGISTRANT AND PRODUCT CATEGORIES

 PFF differentiates among several categories of Users and products for clarity:

Registrant Types: Players (amateur or professional), Coaches, Clubs/Teams, and other affiliated organizations. Each category may have specific registration requirements, fees, or documentation.

Products and Services: Official merchandise, event tickets (e.g. matches, tournaments), digital programs (e-learning, streaming), and other PFF-approved goods or services sold online.

Each User must select the correct category during registration or checkout. Misrepresentation may result in cancellation of the transaction.

III. PAYMENT METHODS

 All online payments to PFF are processed through HitPay, a secure payment gateway. HitPay supports a wide range of payment methods. According to HitPay’s documentation, it “supports various payment methods, including credit and debit cards, digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay), bank transfers, credit card processing, and more”. In particular, HitPay’s Philippine QR Ph integration lets customers pay via local e-wallets and banking apps. As noted by HitPay, customers can pay using GCash, Maya, UnionBank, BPI, RCBC, Metrobank, and other QR Ph– enabled apps. PFF may periodically update or restrict payment options on its platform; Users should follow the on-screen instructions at checkout. All transactions are conducted in Philippine Pesos (PHP) unless otherwise stated. Users are responsible for any bank fees or currency conversion charges.

IV.  PAYMENT TERMS AND FEES

 All prices, registration fees, and other charges are final and must be paid in full at the time of purchase or registration. PFF may display transaction or processing fees (including fees charged by payment providers) during checkout or on invoices. By completing payment, the User authorizes PFF (through HitPay) to charge the specified amount. Incomplete or failed payments will prevent completion of the transaction. PFF reserves the right to adjust fees and charges for future transactions with advance notice, but each transaction is governed by the fee structure in effect at the time of that transaction.

V.  REFUNDS, CANCELLATIONS, AND DENIALS

 5.1 No Refunds (General Policy): Except as noted below, all payments made to PFF are final. Under the Philippine Consumer Act (RA 7394) and DTI rules, customers do not have an absolute right to refunds for change-of-mind purchases. In fact, “the law does not compel businesses to honor refunds” when a consumer simply changes their mind or withdraws voluntarily. Accordingly, PFF does not provide refunds or exchanges for payments once processed, including for registration fees or merchandise purchases. Users should be certain of their intent before completing any transaction.

5.2 PFF-Initiated Cancellations or Denials: If PFF is unable to provide a service or fulfill a registration due to PFF’s own decision or fault (for example, if a player or coach registration is rejected for failing to meet eligibility or documentation requirements), PFF will cancel the registration or order and refund the corresponding payment in full. Such refunds will be made via the same payment method used by the User and processed within a reasonable time. PFF may deduct any processing fees or bank charges only if explicitly required by law or by the payment provider’s rules.

5.3 Voluntary Cancellations (by User): If a User voluntarily requests cancellation of a registration, membership, ticket, or other purchase after payment, PFF generally will not issue a

refund. Instead, PFF may (in its sole discretion) offer a credit or rescheduling option for future services, subject to PFF’s approval and any additional terms. Requests for voluntary cancellation must be submitted in writing to PFF, and any potential credit or partial refund is entirely at PFF’s discretion and subject to availability. In no case will a full monetary refund be granted for a voluntary cancellation or “change of mind.”

5.4 Merchandise Returns (Physical Goods): For goods like merchandise, if the item is defective or damaged upon delivery, the User must notify PFF immediately with proof of the defect. PFF will replace defective items or issue a refund only if replacement is not feasible. Any claim for defects must be made within [a specified period, e.g. 7 days] of receipt, and goods must be returned in original condition for inspection. Shipping costs for returns may be borne by the User unless the defect is confirmed. All replacements or refunds are still subject to the exception in 5.2 if PFF’s fault is established.

VI.  GOVERNING RULES AND COMPLIANCE

 6.1 Compliance with PFF, FIFA, and AFC Rules: By transacting online with PFF, registrants and buyers agree to comply with all applicable sporting regulations. PFF is the official member association of FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for the Philippines. Under the AFC Statutes, “every person and organization directly or indirectly bound by these Statutes must observe … the Statutes and [all] Regulations, Directives, and Decisions of the AFC. … [Every such person] is obliged to observe the Statutes and regulations of FIFA”. This means that all PFF activities including tournaments, coaching courses, and player eligibility adhere to PFF’s own Statutes and regulations as well as the Laws of the Game and codes of conduct prescribed by FIFA and the AFC. Violations of any of these rules may result in the denial of registration, disciplinary action, or other sanctions by PFF or the governing bodies.

6.2 Compliance with Philippine Law: All PFF online transactions are also governed by the laws of the Republic of the Philippines. This includes, but is not limited to, the Data Privacy Act (RA 10173), the Consumer Act (RA 7394), banking regulations, and relevant commercial laws. For example, PFF’s no-refund policy is subject to consumer protection laws under RA 7394, refunds are required only for defective or misrepresented goods/services, not for a buyer’s change of mind. Any tax, stamp duty, or government fees imposed on transactions will be handled per law. Users must also comply with any digital transaction laws (e.g. e-commerce regulations, anti-fraud rules) applicable to online payments. PFF’s facilitation of payments via HitPay is consistent with the Philippines’ e-payment rules (as set by the Bangko Sentral and DTI).

VII.  FORCE MAJEURE

 PFF shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under these Terms if such failure or delay is caused by any “force majeure” event that is, an event beyond PFF’s reasonable control. In contract law, a force majeure clause “frees both parties from liability or obligation when an extraordinary event or circumstance beyond the control of the parties, such as a war, strike, riot, crime, epidemic, or sudden legal change” prevents contractual performance.

Accordingly, events like pandemics, government lockdowns, natural disasters (e.g. typhoons, floods, earthquakes), acts of terrorism, or other acts of God will excuse PFF from liability. In such cases, PFF may postpone or cancel scheduled events, registrations, or deliveries. If an event must be canceled due to force majeure, PFF will notify affected Users and may offer alternative arrangements (e.g. rescheduling or credit) but is not obligated to issue cash refunds beyond those otherwise provided in Section 5.

VIII. DATA PRIVACY AND PROTECTION

 PFF collects personal data (such as name, address, contact details, birth date, and relevant sports credentials) as necessary to process registrations and orders. All personal information is handled in accordance with Republic Act No. 10173 (Data Privacy Act of 2012) and its implementing rules. Under this law, the State “recognizes the vital role of information and communications technology … to ensure that personal information … are secured and protected”. PFF is a Personal Information Controller under the Act and will obtain Users’ consent when collecting data, use data only for legitimate football-related purposes (such as eligibility verification, communication, and service delivery), and implement reasonable security measures to protect data from unauthorized access. PFF will not sell or rent personal data. Users have rights under RA 10173 (access, correction, erasure, etc.) and PFF’s Privacy Policy describes how to exercise these rights. If you have privacy concerns, contact PFF at its designated Data Protection Officer.

IX. DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND JURISDICTION

 Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising from or relating to these Terms or any online transaction shall be resolved primarily through arbitration in the Philippines. The Philippines’ Alternative Dispute Resolution Act (RA 9285) declares a policy of “actively promote[ing] party autonomy in the resolution of disputes” and encouraging the use of arbitration and other ADR methods. Therefore, PFF and the User agree that any unresolved dispute shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration under the rules approved by the Philippine government (or by the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc.). The arbitration shall be held in [Metro Manila/National Capital Region], Philippines, in English, and the award may be enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction. If arbitration is not available or fails, any remaining claims shall be brought exclusively in the courts of the Philippines. Both parties waive any objection to jurisdiction in the Philippines.

For convenience, the following key terms are summarized on PFF’s website or invoices:

1. All payments are final and non-refundable. By proceeding with payment, you agree there are no refunds or returns except as expressly provided above (e.g. PFF-initiated cancellations).
2. Eligibility Requirements: Registrants must meet all PFF, FIFA, and AFC eligibility and documentation rules. Denial of a registration may result in refund of the fee.
3. Secure Online Payments: Transactions use HitPay’s secure gateway (credit cards, GCash/Maya QR PH, etc. as listed above).
4. Force Majeure: PFF is not liable for disruptions due to events outside its control (e.g. pandemic, weather).
5. Data Privacy: Your personal data is protected under RA 10173 (Data Privacy Act) and used only for authorized purposes.
6. Dispute Process: Disputes will be resolved by arbitration in the Philippines (per RA 9285); failing that, Philippine courts have exclusive jurisdiction.
7. By registering or purchasing online, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to all terms above. If you do not agree, please do not proceed with the transaction.