PFF establishes inaugural PFF eTrophy competition

The Philippine Football Federation is set to launch its initial foray into eSports, with the upcoming PFF eTrophy.

Set to take place on April 15-16, 2021, the federation has invited eight eSports players nationwide to compete in this competition, which sets the stage for the establishment of the national team for upcoming international eSports competitions.

The country has seen an increased rise in interest in eSports, and with the growth of the eFootball movement leading to various online competitions within the various FIFA Member Associations and stakeholders. As a result, the PFF saw this as an opportunity to set up its first online tournament.

The PFF eTrophy sees eight players drawn into two four-man groups, with each group participating in a single round robin. The top two individuals from each group will face off in a two-leg crossover semifinals. The winners will then face off for the chance to be its inaugural champion, but both have earned representation into the FIFAe Nations Series 2021, which is set to commence later this month.

By having this tournament, the federation believes that it would help spur the growth of the sport and an alternative avenue for new fans to take up the sport.

Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta, Jr. shares, "We thank FIFA for including eFootball in its platform which will allow us not only to host eSports competitions, but also to send our players to international competitions."

He adds, "As we host our first ever eFootball competition, we hope that it will encourage football fans and stakeholders to enjoy football not just on the physical pitch, but also on the digital pitch."

General Secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes says, "We see eFootball as one of the new and innovative ways to promote football to the general public, particularly to the youth. We invite all aspiring eFootball players to join and compete in the PFF eTrophy."