THE Games and Amusements Board on Tuesday granted an authority to hold professional games to the Philippines Football League, the first-ever national football league with professional status.
“I congratulate the PFL and assure hundreds of athletes, coaches and participating officials of our full support. The approval of its professional status means the PFL shall secure game permits as well as individual licenses for players and participating officials before games and tournaments are held,” ,” said Abraham Kahlil B. Mitra, GAB Chairman.
Mitra said PFL is a welcome addition to the growing list of professional sports currently regulated by GAB, including basketball, horse racing, boxing, mixed martial arts (including all other contact sports), golf, cycling, billiard, tennis, table tennis, dance sports, cockfight (international derby), bowling and volleyball
“Hundreds of PFL players and officials will be card-carrying GAB licensees. For taking this step to be professionalized, the football community especially its fans can count on our efforts to promote integrity and fair treatment in PFL events,” Mitra added.
GAB is mandated under Presidential Decree 871 to supervise and regulate the conduct of professional sports and games nationwide.
“As part of our supervisory mandate, we regularly conduct dialogues with professional sports stakeholders.”
Boxing is one of the high-stake professional sports under the agency wherein part of its roles is to conduct seminars, conventions and consultations with boxers, managers, promoters, trainers, ring officials and others.
GAB will be hosting the national boxing convention in Davao in May 11-13.