MANILA, Philippines — Like sports in general, the Philippine Superliga (PSL) is feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s no surprise that the highly-popular league is implementing cost-cutting measures to soften the blow of the global health malady.
“It came from the teams themselves because we asked them to come up with their own policy,” said PSL chairman Philip Ella Juico in yesterday’s interview with Noli Eala in his Radyo Singko Power and Play sports program.
“They agreed to a 50-percent salary cut on players provided they continue their practices online,” he added.
Belt-tightening measures are common in these trying times.
In fact, the Philippine Sports Commission had cut the monthly allowances of the national athletes and coaches in half starting this month while most college teams have made budgetary cuts in their athletic programs.
The PSL isn’t any different.
Juico said they are planning to hold at least one conference this year, preferably starting September and ending in December.
“Maybe one, assuming we’re allowed,” said Juico. “Of course, it will be held in a non-air conditioned venue and no crowds or closed door.”
Apart from strict protocols, the PSL will institute rules changes, including suspending the mandatory change of courts for teams.