Despite pending shift of ownership, PFF assures Ceres-Negros will continue playing

With Ceres-Negros announced that it will undergo a reboot following the decision of owner Leo Rey Yanson to sell the club, the Philippine Football Federation assured that it will take steps to ensure their commitment to play for the upcoming season of the Philippines Football League.

“There is no announcement from the club that they are leaving the PFL," said PFF Secretary-General Atty. Ed Gastanes in the virtual presser Wednesday about the status of the reigning three-time league champions.

Even before they became a pioneer club in the PFL since its inception in 2017, the Busmen have risen quickly as one of the powerhouse clubs in the country, winning two straight PFF National Club titles in 2012 and 2013, and a league title in 2015.

According to Gastanes, once the takeover has been finalized, the PFF will take appropriate steps to ensure a smooth transition.

“[The] PFF will act on the developments on Ceres-Negros FC as soon as the negotiations are successful in accordance with the protocols of both PFF and PFL to change the management and to eventually compete in the PFL.” 

Last season, they are the fourth club to win the double in the country, and did it in an unbeaten fashion by winning all but three matches en route to their third successive PFL title and the Copa Paulino Alcantara.

The impending transfer of ownership have brought concerns with their participation in the AFC Cup, with the Bacolod-based side being a regular participant for the past five seasons.

Ceres are currently leading Group G in this year's edition before the coronavirus pandemic had put a stoppage on all sporting activities, in which the federation had assured that despite the ownership situation, their participation is set to continue in the competition which will tentatively resume in September alongside Kaya-Iloilo.

“[The] PFF will continue to help its participating clubs represent the country in the AFC Cup,” said Gastanes. “Considering the pandemic, (affecting Ceres-Negros FC), AFC should look at it with kind eyes.”

Photo: Jan Vincent Dayrit/Ceres-Negros FC (FILE)