Philippine Premier League

The Philippine Premier League (PPL) was a short-lived top-flight association football league in the Philippines sanctioned by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF). It was intended as a successor league to the Philippines Football League (PFL) which ran for two seasons. The first and only PPL season had a single match day on April 27, 2019 before it was folded, after the PFF withdrew its sanction of the league.

Philippine Premier League
Organising bodyPPL Sports Group, Inc.
FoundedDecember 8, 2018
Folded2019
CountryPhilippines
ConfederationAFC
Number of teams4
Level on pyramid1
Domestic cup(s)Copa Paulino Alcantara
International cup(s)AFC Champions League
AFC Cup
Last championsNone awarded
TV partnersESPN5

History

Foundation

The Philippines Football League (PFL), the precursor of the PPL, was established in 2016 as a league with a national scope[1] as opposed to the United Football League which was concentrated in Metro Manila.[2] The PFL had two seasons from 2017 to 2018 which were both won by Ceres–Negros F.C.

However, issues plagued the league and it was decided that the PFL would be scrapped.[3] The PFL followed a home-and-away format which caused financial and logistical problems for the league's participating clubs.[4] The PFL saw Ilocos United and Meralco Manila withdrawing from the league due to financial reasons. The league itself lacked sponsorship, generated insufficient revenue, had limited attendance and television coverage.[3]

Bernie Sumayao of the Triple CH Group entered into negotiations with Philippine Football Federation President Mariano Araneta sometime in the latter half of 2018 to discuss about planned reforms regarding the system of the Philippines' top-flight football league.[5] Sumayao was later appointed as the commissioner of the upcoming Philippine Premier League which was to replace the PFL[6] and is to absorb the remaining clubs of the PFL. The PFL then saw the withdrawal of Davao Aguilas F.C.[7] by its owner Jefferson Cheng reportedly due to the PFF's decision to award Sumayao's group the organization of the league despite's Cheng's volunteering to do the same.[8]

The PPL, sometimes described as a rebranded PFL,[9] replaced it[3] and was described as a "new neutral independent league" which has an objective to develop football in the Philippines, according to its commissioner Bernie Sumayao.[4]

"Philippine Premier League" was among the proposed names mentioned in the Nielsen Study commissioned for the then-planned establishment of the PFL.[10]

The official launch of the PPL was held on January 23, 2019 at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati.[11] At least 11 clubs expressed interest to join the league[12][11] with the organizers confirming on March 1, 2019 the participation of seven clubs for the inaugural season.[13]

Launch and dissolution

The Philippine Premier League had several issues before the first match took place. The commencement of the league was delayed after the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) ruled two participants Mendiola and Philippine Air Force as ineligible to participate due to their licensing issues with the national football association.[14] The season's launch was moved to April 27 from March 31[15] so that the two clubs can resubmit relevant documents to settle their licensing issues.[16] In mid-April 2019, PFF President Mariano Araneta expressed confidence that the league will push through despite the two club's licensing issues and noted that the two teams already appealed their case.[15]

Stallion Laguna and Global Makati withdrew from the league a day before the first match day due to loss of confidence to the league's organizers. In a joint conference they stated that the lack of professionalism, transparency and disagreement with the centralized format of the league as their reasons for their withdrawal.[17][18]

The league commenced as scheduled on April 27, 2019 with changes in the opening fixtures. Philippine Air Force and Mendiola figured in a 2–2 draw despite both teams' licensing issues have not been settled yet, while Kaya-Iloilo had a 3–0 victory over Green Archers.

The withdrawal of the two teams caused a debate on social media regarding the status of the league. PPL Commissioner Bernie Sumayao has stated that they technically never joined the league since did not sign any participation agreement or pay the participation fee, but has expressed openness to have a discussion with relevant stakeholders. He also responded to accusation that the league organizers were never in contact with Stallion and Global Makati and stated that he had tasked league director Ritchie Gannaban reach out to them and find out what would it take for the two clubs to formally join the league. Sumayao also cited the fact that an AFC elite referee officiated the match between Kaya and Green Archers United as proof of the support of the PFF of the league.[19]

The league organizers then announced on May 2 that there would be no fixtures scheduled for the then-upcoming weekend, and the PFF announced its board's decision to withdraw sanction of the PPL, effectively dissolving it on the following day.[20] The decision was made reportedly due to "serious mismanagement" of the league, inability to secure a title sponsor, and allowing Mendiola and Philippine Air Force to play in defiance of the federation. The national football association also announced that it is also working with the license clubs to continue the Philippines Football League (PFL).[21] The 2019 Philippines Football League was later successfully held.

Competition format

The PPL was planned to follow a triple round-robin format, or three legs with matches to be played on weekends. Each day was intended feature two ties.[11] This is opposed to the Philippine Football League (PFL) which used a home-and-away format.[9] The first leg of the inaugural season was held in Metro Manila with the University of Makati Stadium strongly considered as the venue.[11] and there were plans to host matches in Cebu. A promotion and relegation system was planned for introduction in the second or third season.[8]

Each leg was to feature centralized matches to be hosted in specific venues to minimize costs for the league's participating clubs. Side community events such as concerts, fairs, "activations", and other activities were also planned to be held alongside league matches as a fan engagement effort.[11]

The domestic cup competition would have still been the Copa Paulino Alcantara, which served as cup competition for the PFL.[11]

2019 season
Philippine Premier League
Season2019
DatesApril 27, 2019 – August 2019 (planned)
Matches played2
Goals scored7 (3.5 per match)
Top goalscorerseven players
(1 goal)
Highest scoringPhilippine Air Force 2–2 Mendiola
(April 27)
← 2018

Clubs

The inaugural PPL season was initially announced to be participated by 7 clubs. However, two of them later withdrew and the five remaining clubs were:[13]

Mendiola and Philippine Air Force were announced as participants for the season by the league organizers but were ruled ineligible to participate due to their licensing issues with the Philippine Football Federation.[14] The league postponed the season's launch to April 27 so that the two clubs can resubmit their documents for licensing.[16]

Stallion Laguna and Global Makati withdrew from the league as a protest against its mismanagement.

Venue

Only the Rizal Memorial Stadium has hosted matches of the Philippine Premier League.

Manila
Manila is located in Luzon
Manila
Manila
Manila (Luzon)
Rizal Memorial Stadium
Capacity: 12,873

League table

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Notes
1 Kaya–Iloilo 1 1 0 0 3 0 +3 3
2 Mendiola 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
3 Philippine Air Force 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
4 Green Archers United 1 0 0 1 0 3 −3 0
N/A Ceres–Negros 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Withdrew[22]
Source: RSSSF

Matches

The league's only season had two matches on April 27, 2019. Originally Philippine Air Force was scheduled to play against Kaya–Iloilo in the first match, while Mendiola was set to play against Green Archers United.[23] However Philippine Air Force and Mendiola were denied professional license which led to the schedule being revamped which meant that the two faced each other in the league's first match[24] despite a directive of the Philippine Football Federation not to include the two teams in the league's fixtures.

The Philippine Premier League organizers announced on May 2, 2019 that there would be no fixtures for the following weekend due to "uncontrollable circumstances"[24] and the league was effectively folded after the PFF announced its withdrawal of league sanction the following day.[25]

Philippine Air Force2–2Mendiola
Bebangco 39'
Barsales 79'		 Report Balabat 8'
Corsame 58'
Kaya–Iloilo3–0Green Archers United
Amita 13'
Bedic 16'
Tuason 79'		 Report

Organization

The Philippine Premier League was sanctioned by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) which authorized PPL Sports Group, Inc. to operate and promote the league.[12] Bernie Sumayao of the Triple CH Group was the league commissioner.

Clubs of the PPL reportedly had to pay an annual registration fee which is described to be lower than the equivalent fee members of the Philippine Football League, which followed a franchise system, had to pay.[26] Participating clubs reportedly to have 40 percent equity share in the PPL Sports Group's board.[11]

Media coverage

ESPN5 was the broadcast partner of the Philippine Premier League with matches to be broadcast on the 5 Plus channel. For the inaugural season around 23 matches were planned to be aired live on 5 Plus and highlights were to be featured in ESPN5's SportsCenter. Live streaming of matches was also being planned.[11]

References
  1. Guerrero (September 6, 2016). "PFF one step closer to launching nationwide pro football league". Rappler. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  2. Bautista, Roehl Niño (December 2, 2013). "Philippine Football Federation set to launch national league". GMA News. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  3. Sriram, Arvind (December 27, 2018). "Philippines football 2018 Review – A dream fulfilled, a league in shambles, and a lot to look forward to". Fox Sports Asia. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
  4. Tupas, Cedelf (December 27, 2018). "As Azkals find success, club football hits a major hump". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
  5. Guerrero, Bob (December 8, 2018). "Bernie Sumayao looks to transform Philippine club football". Rappler. Retrieved December 8, 2018.
  6. Saldajeno, Ivan Stewart (December 16, 2018). "New PPL chief saddened by Davao Aguilas pullout". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved December 16, 2018.
  7. Biantan, Jack (December 14, 2018). "Davao Aguilas-Belmare FC Quits PFL". Pinoyfootball. Retrieved December 14, 2018.
  8. Limpag, Mike (December 19, 2018). "Costly tantrum". Sun Star Cebu. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
  9. "PFF excited for 2019 across various fronts". Business World. December 26, 2018. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
  10. Ventura, Sid (September 6, 2016). "With PFF Backing, National Pro Football League Set to Debut in 2017". Sports 5. TV5 Network Inc. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  11. "Philippine Premier League launched as country's new top-tier club competition". ESPN5. January 23, 2019. Retrieved January 23, 2019.
  12. Gasgonia, Dennis (January 23, 2019). "Football: Philippine Premier League replaces PFL". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved January 23, 2019.
  13. Terrado, Reuben (March 1, 2019). "Inaugural Philippine Premier League kicks off with seven-team cast". Sports Interactive Network Philippine. Retrieved March 1, 2019.
  14. "Mendiola, Air Force FC denied club licenses; cannot participate in Philippine Premier League". FOX Sports Asia. March 24, 2019. Retrieved March 25, 2019.
  15. Tupas, Cedelf (April 16, 2019). "Mariano confident PPL will start this month". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
  16. "Football: Launch of PH Premier League postponed". ABS-CBN News. March 26, 2019. Archived from the original on April 1, 2019. Retrieved April 27, 2019.
  17. Saldajeno, Ivan Stewart (April 26, 2019). "Stallion Laguna, Global Makati back out of PPL '19". Dugout Philippines. Retrieved April 27, 2019.
  18. "2019 Philippine Premier League a five-team affair now as Global Makati FC and Stallion Laguna FC withdraw". Fox Sports Asia. April 27, 2019. Archived from the original on April 27, 2019. Retrieved April 27, 2019.
  19. "Sumayao clarifies PPL's stance with PFF". Dugout Philippines. April 27, 2019. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
  20. "PFF drops PPL, eyes return of PFL". May 4, 2019.
  21. Tupas, Cedelf (May 5, 2019). "Dissatisfied football body puts end to PPL". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
  22. Tupas, Cedelf (May 16, 2019). "PFL reboot kicks off May 25". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved May 16, 2019. The PPL only had five clubs, which was later reduced to four when Ceres decided to also withdraw from the competition.
  23. "Air Force XI, Green Archers back in action". Philippine Daily Inquirer. April 26, 2019. Retrieved May 4, 2019.
  24. Saldajeno, Ivan Stewart (May 2, 2019). "Football league postpones upcoming sked". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved May 4, 2019.
  25. Del Carmen, Lorenzo (May 4, 2019). "PFF sinks PPL, promises to revive PFL". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved May 4, 2019.
  26. Go, Beatrice (January 23, 2019). "Philippine Premier League revamps club football". Rappler. Retrieved January 23, 2019.
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