[ad_1]
The start of the shortened fourth season of the Philippine Soccer League on Sunday was postponed after nine people tested positive for COVID-19 inside the bubble.
PFL officials made the announcement following a meeting with the six clubs on Saturday, adding that five players and a coach from two clubs tested positive after RT-PCR tests performed upon arrival at Seda Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna last Wednesday.
Three more people also tested positive for COVID-19 after additional tests also on Saturday.
“We have anticipated this scenario, so there is a set of health and safety protocols for incidents like this. The important thing is that everyone continues to comply with the protocols that aim to prevent or minimize the spread of the virus, ”said PFL Commissioner Coco Torre.
“By checking, we have confirmed that those who tested positive admitted to having close contact with the player who was the first to test positive,” added Torre, who did not reveal the identity of the player.
PFF Secretary General Ed Gastanes is hopeful that the season can start in the next few days despite the situation.
“We place an emphasis on the safety of each and every individual in the bubble, be it a player, staff or match official,” he said. “We understand the current situation and with participants’ strict compliance with specific bubble protocols, we hope to move forward with the start in a few days.”
The PFL also considered inclement weather caused by Tropical Depression Quinta as another reason for postponing the opener.
Three matches were supposed to take place in Sunday’s first match at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.
The Azkals and Mendiola Development Team were scheduled to meet at 9 a.m., followed by Kaya-Iloilo and Stallion-Laguna at 4:30 p.m. and Maharlika-Manila and United City at 8 p.m.
SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY NEWSLETTER
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
