United City Football Club Withdraws from Philippines Football League Due to Financial Issues

The United City Football Club (UCFC), a renowned team in the Philippines Football League (PFL), has formally announced its decision to withdraw from the ongoing 2022-2023 season due to financial challenges linked to its Singapore-based investor, Riau Capital Live (RCL).

UCFC, a dominant force in the PFL and home to notable players such as Stephan Schrock and Bienvenido Marañon, disclosed that a significant agreement was entered into with RCL in 2021. However, the company defaulted on the agreement in October 2022. Despite concerted efforts to reach a resolution, RCL failed to meet final deadlines, compelling UCFC to cease its professional football team operations and exit the remainder of the current PFL season.

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) expressed regret over United City’s departure from the league, recognizing the club’s intention to participate in future seasons while acknowledging the imperative to address its present circumstances. The PFF expresses optimism that the club and its management can overcome this setback.

United City gained prominence after assuming control of the Ceres-Negros Football Club in 2020 and achieving a championship victory, as well as qualification for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League group stages. However, the club has encountered a reversal of fortunes in recent months and is currently awaiting the outcome of legal proceedings after releasing its players and staff.

In response to the situation, UCFC clarified that all players and staff were released from their contracts during the first half of the 2022/23 PFL season, with the majority securing new agreements with other clubs in the Philippines and overseas.

The withdrawal of United City Football Club from the PFL underscores the challenges that sports organizations can face and serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in managing professional teams and ensuring financial stability in the realm of football. Notwithstanding this setback, there is optimism that UCFC will navigate through its current predicament and emerge stronger in the future.