FC Meralco folds up due to fund woes

MANILA, Philippines — FC Meralco Manila, one of the top teams in the Philippines, has folded up in a shock development dealing the country’s club football scene a big blow.

“It is with heavy heart that we announce that the club will be ceasing operations immediately and will no longer participate in the second season of the Philippines Football League,” the Sparks announced on their Facebook page.

The Sparks, who took top seeding in the inaugural PFL and wound up third, was apparently hit by financial difficulties.

“Circumstances beyond our control have made it difficult for FC Meralco Manila to continue. The board and management of the Sparks have tried to arrange for new investors that would keep the organization running, but those efforts have sadly fallen short,” the team said.

Sparks management said they are currently helping their displaced players find new clubs.

“These are amazing athletes and people (who) deserve to continue plying their trade, and we will do all in our power to find them new clubs,” it said.

The fold-up of the Sparks, a powerhouse for several years whose triumphs included the United Football League Cup in 2013 and the Philippine Football Federation-Smart Club Championship in 2014, came as a shock to the Phl football community.