New investors taking over Ceres XI

MANILA, Philippines — Football officials yesterday said Ceres Negros FC will stay on as a Philippine Football League participant amid an impending takeover of new investors as owners.

“There’s no announcement they’re leaving the PFL. But they informed us that they’re talking to a party for a change in ownership and management,” Philippine Football Federation secretary general Ed Gastanes said. “The intent (to participate) is still there and we’ll await their next communication.”

As this developed, PFF president Nonong Araneta revealed there’s a prospective new club that might raise the PFL’s roster to seven clubs for its fourth season.

“(PFL Commissioner) Coco (Torre) is set to meet with the interested party next week to discuss PFL licensing. We’d rather not name them yet pending formal application,” Araneta said.

Three-time PFL champion Ceres, one of two Philippine representatives to the AFC Cup along with Kaya Iloilo, said they will announce a new name, new owners and management of the club soon.

“Ceres Negros FC is currently in talks with investors who will be taking over the management and ownership of the club,” Ceres said.