Source : Inquirer.net
MANILA---The Philippine Football Federation wants to fast-track the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement with charismatic religious leader Bro. Mike Velarde, who owns the 4.5 hectare prime property in Parañaque where a new football field will be constructed.
PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said he hopes the MOA will be signed and submitted to the legal department of the International Football Federation (Fifa) in time for a Fifa conference on Feb. 28 when Goal project proposals will be discussed.
The construction of an artificial pitch will be Goal Project 2 for the Philippines and will have a $500,000 grant from Fifa.
“If we can have the project approved by Feb. 28, we will have a field in six months,” Araneta told the Inquirer over the phone.
Araneta said the project only covers the construction of an artificial football pitch and not a grandstand.
The national teams have been without a regular practice facility and trained in different venues like University of Makati, Nomads, Alabang Country Club, Ateneo and International School.
Velarde has actually offered an area close to the pitch where the PFF can hold office and Araneta said there is a strong possibility that they will be selling the federation’s building in Pasig to fund the construction of a new one near the facility.
Araneta said that their priority is to get the approval of the project first before the construction of a new office.
Araneta, who replaced Mari Martinez as PFF president in November last year, acknowledged the tough task he is facing following the surge in support for the PFF.
On top of the aid it receives from international organizations, Smart Communications pledged P80 million and Air21 added P21 million for the PFF’s projects in the next 10 years.
Araneta said there is a need to beef up the PFF staff, currently numbering just 18.
“Much is expected from us now with all that’s been happening so we also have to deliver,” said Araneta, a former national team standout himself.
PFF wants to rush MOA for new pitch
4:51 AM
Anonymous
An askal is a Filipino term for any dog with no pedigree, no breed, no class. The askal is usually astray, unsupported and survives by feeding on whatever provision it can find. The Filipino national football team can relate to this mongrel, they have almost no support from a government thats suppose to support them, they are underdogs not just only to the world but even in their own region, South East Asia.
Name: Angel Guirado Aldeguer
Stephan Schröck - nicknamed "Schröcky", is a German–Filipino professional footballer who plays as a right back for 2nd Bundesliga club SpVgg Greuther Fürth.
