THE 2022 Copa Paulino Alcantara will open on March 14 to start off the competition for professional clubs in the country.
Reigning champion Kaya FC-Iloilo leads six other teams in the tournament that will until May at the Philippine Football Federation National Training Centre.
Kaya FC-Iloilo will open hostilities when they face Maharlika Manila FC to be followed by the match between United City FC and Azkals Development Team.
The seven clubs will play a single round-robin tournament with the top four squads moving to the semifinals. The losers will play a battle-for-third, while the winners will face each other in the final
The entire competition will be under a closed-circuit format or home-venue-home for the delegates.
The Copa will run for months during the pandemic. Last year, the cup competition was held for only a week due to strict health protocols.

“Football fans have long been starved of a lengthy football season, and it is high time that we have a proper league season which will create rivalries and storylines among the participating clubs,” said PFF president Mariano Araneta. “The Copa Paulino Alcantara is also the perfect competition for the clubs to get their fitness back in time for the league.”
“The past two years has been a challenge for our clubs with the livelihood of the players and officials affected by the pandemic,” said PFF general secretary Edwin Gastanes. “With the Cup scheduled next month, we will see the return of a healthy football competition, while still adhering to the health and safety protocols.”
“It is important for our participating clubs to gain enough preparation for the upcoming league and cup competitions,” said PFL commissioner Coco Torre. “We look forward to the start of the cup which will reignite the domestic football scene and we also anticipate for the clubs to host their home matches in their respective venues eventually.”
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