Archive for PFF

Philippine Azkals face Malaysia Tigers in June 2012 rematch

13 April, 2012 PFF, Philippine Azkals No comments

MANILA, Philippines – The Azkals are again set for another tussle with Malaysia after the Philippines accepted an invitation for another friendly match on June 1, 2012.

“Malaysia has invited us to play a friendly in Kuala Lumpur on 1 June and more or less, we’ll go there,” said Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President Mariano “Nonong” Araneta in Asean Football.

“I’ve had initial talks with Dan [Palami, the Azkals team manager] and he’s okay with this,” said Araneta.

The Azkals nearly pulled off an upset against Malaysia in their friendly game held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium last February 29.

Philippine Football Federation PFF logoThe Philippine squad had a 1-0 advantage against Malaysia after Filipino-German striker Denis Wolf scored on a diving header in the first half.

But the Malaysians, the reigning AFF Suzuki Cup champions, pulled off a miracle when Ahmad Shakir Mohd Ali scored an equalizer a minute into injury time.

Source: abs-cbnNEWS.com

International Friendly Game: Philippines vs Malaysia Match and ticket details

20 February, 2012 PFF, Philippine Azkals No comments

International Friendly Game: Philippines vs Malaysia Match and Ticket details plus Live Coverage

The Philippine National Football Team – Azkals will be taking on Malaysia Tigers on Wednesday February 29, 2012 7:00PM in a Friendly match.

Tickets for the most-anticipated football match between Malaysia and Philippines at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium are now available online and at all TicketWorld outlets. More details!

International Friendly Match Philippines vs Malaysia February 29, 2012 7PM

Below is the match and the ticketing details:

Match: International Friendly Match – Philippines vs Malaysia
Date: Wednesday February 29, 2012
Venue: Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, Manila, Philippines
Time: Local time 7:00PM Manila

Ticketing details

Lower Grandstand Center (D to H) – P2,5000
Lower Grandstand Side (A to C and I to K) – P1,500

Upper Grandstand Center (O to V) – P1,500
Upper Grandstand Side (L to N and W to Y) – P500

White (Center) Bleachers – P200
Blue & Green (Side) Bleachers – P100

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO ENLARGE
Rizal Memorial Football Stadium Seating Plan

Where and How to watch Philippines vs Malaysia Live Telecast?

In the Philippines, ABS-CBN’s Studio 23 Channel and Balls Sky Cable HD 167 will air the Philippine Azkals vs Malaysia International friendly game on Wednesday February 29, 2012 Live at 6:00PM and with kick-off at 7:00 PM.

UPDATE: Full Time: PHILIPPINES 1 – 1 MALAYSIA

Goal Scorers: Philippines: Denis Wolf – 34′
Goal Scorers: Malaysia: Ahmad Shakkar MD Ali – 90+1′

Preview

This Friendly game by the Philippine Azkals is for their preparation and tune-up  for the upcoming 2012 AFC Challenge Cup to be held in Nepal this coming March 2012.

The Malaysian Tigers is one of the toughest opponents ever face by the Philippine Azkals aside from the Kuwait Al-Azraq which they have faced last year during the 2nd round of elimination for the 2014 World Cup Asian Qualifying.

Malaysia won the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup title for the first time in their history.

In terms of National Team Standings in AFC in the FIFA Worldwide rankings, Malaysia is way ahead of the Philippines. Malaysia is ranked at #25 while the Philippines is at #28.

In the latest FIFA World Rankings update last February 15, 2012, the Philippines is currently ranked at #156 while Malaysia is at #150.

The Philippine Azkals have just finished their successful training camp held in Dubai, where the Azkals went on 1 win and 2 loss but was confident enough that it definitely help the team to increased its morale.

PFF to pay P1-M for stadium use for the Dream Cup Galaxy vs Azkals

1 December, 2011 PFF, Philippine Azkals No comments

By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines – Having spent a significant amount renovating and maintaining the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium and its field, the Philippine Football Federation has also agreed to pay P1 million for the use of the historic facility for one of the biggest football events taking place in the country in years.

The David Beckham-led Los Angeles Galaxy face the Philippine Azkals on Saturday night at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

The Major League Soccer champions will fly in Thursday from Indonesia for a three-day visit.

The Galaxy will also hold a training session and a clinic for children Friday at Rizal Memorial with promoters charging an entry fee for both events. The Philippine Sports Commission, which owns the sprawling facility, had asked for a rental fee for the Galaxy-related events, saying it is a “commercial venture.”

Philippine Football Federation PFF logo“They said it’s a commercial venture so there must be some sort of compensation,” said PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta. “But they told us that the money will be earmarked for football development projects which means it will go to grassroots development.”

Araneta said the PFF spent P10.4 million for the renovation of the stadium, including the installation of numbered seats before the Azkals saw action in the World Cup Qualifiers early this year. The PFF was able to use the facility for free during the WCQ.

The PFF president also said they have been spending P70,000 a month since September for the maintenance of the pitch.

“We didn’t want what was invested at Rizal Memorial to go to waste,” said Araneta.

Tickets for the match—ranging from P2,000 to P15,000—at the 12,800-seater RMS are still on sale with Smart Communications and the United Football League helping reduce ticket prices by 35 percent.

Ticket buyers can use the promo code of 6987 provided by both UFL and Smart in purchasing tickets at Ticketworld.

“Whatever happens, whether we win or lose, it will benefit Philippine football and the image of our country by bringing in a high-profile team like the LA Galaxy and a player like Beckham,” said Araneta. “Whatever we can contribute to that effect, we will be happy.”

PFF reaps P105M in 2011, expects P5M from LA Galaxy friendly

27 November, 2011 PFF, Philippine Azkals No comments

By EARL VICTOR ROSERO, GMA News

Foreign subsidies, corporate sponsorships, and local fundraisers boosted Philippine Football Federation (PFF) finances by P105 million in 2011, officials of the local governing body of football reported on Saturday in the annual PFF Congress.

However, PFF treasurer Bonnie Ladrido said the PFF incurred expenses totaling about P104 million—the major chunks of which were P67 million for the country’s participation in international competitions and P19.32 million spent on local competitions.

PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said it was the first time in the federation’s history for its funds to exceed P100 million. The PFF also disclosed that it has chosen the accounting firm SGV & Co. to serve as external auditor.

Since November last year, the PFF raised P25.7 million from corporate sponsors and P21.8 million from ticket sales and merchandising items.

“We’ve only really scratched the surface of the potential corporate support,” Ladrido said. He recommended upgrades in the PFF’s corporate sponsor and merchandising programs.

He also proposed the setting up of a pension benefit plan for those who serve the national team and more enhancements in accountability measures to further assure sponsors that their contributions are spent well.

Provincial football associations were encouraged to submit proposals for funding support while it was also recommended that the chapters’ professionalization be boosted by courses on finance, marketing and sponsorships.

Philippine Football Federation PFF logoSupport from overseas

Araneta added that more foreign support for football in the Philippines is on the way, including $500,000 for the artificial pitch to be installed at the ULTRA football field and another $500,000 for a training center in Bukidnon.

From the Asian Football Confederation will come $200,000 which will be for technical training and from the FIFA is the annual subsidy of $250,000.

Araneta also said the Jordan-funded Asian Football Development Program will be launched in January or February here in the Philippines and the country will be its first beneficiary.

PFF officials also expect the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the German Football Association and the PFF to be forged. The MOU will mostly cover technical assistance to augment grassroots football funding coming from the Japan Football Association.

Araneta also revealed that the PFF will host the AFC Council meeting next February. The PFF will also invite some European teams to come over for friendly matches with the Philippines’ national teams.

Ladrido said expenses amounting to about P4 million may be incurred to conduct the exhibition match between the 2011 Major League Soccer champions, LA Galaxy and the Azkals.

Araneta assured the representatives of the provincial football associations that audited financial statements will be presented at the special PFF Congress to be held in June next year. Main agenda of that meeting are amendments to the PFF constitution and by-laws.

Araneta secured a full, four-year term as PFF president Saturday after election late last year to serve the remainder of the term of the vanquished Mari Martinez.

The provincial football associations also elected Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao representatives to the PFF Board. Ronald Tulay, Diobe Arellano, Leopoldo Arnaiz and Mario Garovillo represent Luzon. For the Visayas, elected were Charlie Cojuangco, Dan Palami, Dick Emperado, and Richard Montayre. Mindanao has Ramon Manlunas, Cabili Sinsuat, Flaviano Fucoy and Abenir Labja. — GMA News

P1-M Rizal Memorial Football Stadium rental for LA Galaxy match

17 November, 2011 PFF, Philippine Azkals No comments

By Marc Anthony Reyes (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Sports Commission is charging P1 million for the rental of the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium for the coming friendly between the PH team Azkals and the David Beckham-starred Los Angeles Galaxy.

PSC marketing chief Albert Almendralejo said last night that the amount is the standard rental fee for the use of the venue for two days, including the actual match on December 3 which will be held at night.

“They will need lights during the game and they will use it the whole day on the first day because of the clinic and again during the game itself,” said Almendralejo.

International Friendly Los Angeles Galaxy vs Philippine Azkals on December 3, 2011He said there was no rental fee during the Azkals World Cup qualifiers against Sri Lanka in Round 1 and Kuwait in Round 2 and the friendly against Nepal since the government agency was in close coordination with the Philippine Football Federation, main organizer of the events.

According to Almendralejo, the rental fee is a standard rate and the PSC asking for three percent of total ticket allocations an SOP.

The Azkals-Galaxy match is reportedly selling tickets from P2,000 to P15,500.

Friendly Game: Philippine Azkals vs LA Galaxy | Galaxy wins 6-1

10 November, 2011 PFF, Philippine Azkals 8 comments

Friendly Game: Philippine Azkals vs LA Galaxy Match and Ticket details

The Philippine National Football Team – Azkals will be taking on the American 2011 Major League Soccer Western Conference champions LA Galaxy on Saturday December 3, 2011 7PM in a Friendly match.

Tickets for the most-anticipated football match of the year between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Philippine Azkals at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium start to go on sale Thursday, November 10, 2011.

Philippine AZKALS vs LA Galaxy (with David Beckham) tickets are now available online and at all TicketWorld outlets. More details!

UPDATE: Full Time: LA Galaxy 6 – Azkals 1

Goal Scorers: LA Galaxy – Beckham 20′, Magee 38′, Keane 46′, Cristman 62′ 87′, Berhalter 81′ PG
Goal Scorers: Philippine Azkals – Phil YoungHusband 41′

Watch Match Highlights

Below is the match and the ticketing details:

Match: Friendly Match – Philippines vs LA Galaxy
Date: December 3, 2011 (Saturday)
Venue: Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, Manila, Philippines
Time: Local time 7:30PM Manila

Ticketing details

Lower Grandstand Center – P15,5000
Upper Grandstand Center – P12,500
Lower Grandstand Side – P10,500
Upper Grandstand Side – P9,500
White (Center) Bleachers – P5,000
Blue & Green (Side) Bleachers – P2,000

The LA Galaxy will also hold an open practice on December 2, 2011 from 9AM – 11AM which will be open to the paying public with tickets prized at P3,000 for the grandstand seats and P1,500 for the bleachers.

Also, a football clinic for the children will be conducted after the practice from 2PM – 4PM but limited to only 150 kids for P14,000, which is inclusive of an LA Galaxy event jersey, shorts, and a soccer bag.

Both the open practice and the football clinic will be held at the Rizal Memorial football Stadium.

ABS-CBN also announced Wednesday that it will air the match live on Studio 23 and on Balls Sky Cable HD. Coverage starts at 6:30 p.m.

Where and How to watch Philippines vs LA Galaxy Live Telecast?

In the Philippines, ABS-CBN’s Studio 23 Channel and Balls Sky Cable HD 167 will air the Philippine Azkals vs LA Galaxy friendly game on December 3, 2011 6:30PM with kick-off at 7PM. Replay will be on December 4 at 10:15AM on ABS-CBN Channel 2.

UPDATE: Full Time: LA Galaxy 6 – Azkals 1

Goal Scorers: LA Galaxy – Beckham 20′, Magee 38′, Keane 46′, Cristman 62′ 87′, Berhalter 81′ PG
Goal Scorers: Philippine Azkals – Phil YoungHusband 41′
International Friendly Los Angeles Galaxy vs Philippine Azkals on December 3, 2011

Azkals woes highlight need to develop locals

9 November, 2011 PFF, RP Under 23 (U23), Southeast Asian (SEA) Games No comments

By Olmin Leyba (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines – The lack of cohesion bogging the Philippine under-23 Azkals in the 26th Southeast Asian Games has emphasized once again the need to develop more home-grown talents committed to train together for longer periods.

“(Team manager) Dan Palami and (coach Michael) Weiss have the best of intentions. Dan spent to get the best (players from Europe). But football is teamwork. You can’t achieve it in three days or one week of practice,” said Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chairman Monico Puentevella, also a member of the advisory council of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF).

For this campaign, team management has assembled a combo of local-based players and pros plying their trade in Europe, like Roland Muller, Manny Ott, Jeffrey Christiaens and Carli de Murga. The Euro-based booters only joined the team in Indonesia already, in time for their first game.

The U23 Azkals dropped a 1-3 loss to Vietnam and a 1-2 setback to darkhorse Timor Leste as their semifinal bid got dimmer each game day.

“Our players in the under-23 are not short of talent. But to put them in the field to play as a team, you need more time of playing together,” observed Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia.

Philippine Football Federation PFF logoPuentevella batted for a stronger grassroots development program.

“I guess we can’t rely on the guys from outside all the time. Grassroots must be strengthened. We must go back to the drawing board,” said Puentevella.

Weiss said he’s already entertaining the idea of tapping more locals next time, but asked for a more tempered expectation from Filipino fans.

“A lot of these boys are very young; they can still play in 2013 SEA Games. The hopes in the Philippines now are way too high; we should lower our expectations, work hard, and continue to build up players who are having the right heart beat and not thinking themselves as superstars because somebody admires them in the Philippines.

“I should very well think who to bring here for this tournament, one idea is to bring more local players and see how they can compete in international exposure,” he said.

The U23 Azkals stand at the rear in Group B with no point to show after two games. Timor Leste holds the unlikely lead with six points (two wins) followed by Vietnam and Myanmar with identical four points (1-1-0), and Laos and Brunei with one apiece (0-1-1).

Phl XI battles Laos on Friday, Myanmar on Sunday and Brunei in Tuesday, gunning for victories while hoping the leaders wouldn’t pile up the points to keep their slim chance for the semis.

But Weiss himself is practically conceding a place in the medal rounds.

“We have to think now of the immediate strategy as the tournament is most likely not on us. We do not even have to think of the semifinals,” the German mentor said.

British-Pinoy Footballers playing friendlies in the Philippines

27 October, 2011 PFF No comments

By Edward Lao (ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines — Last Friday (October 21) a squad of British Pinoy footballers touched down on Philippine soil to begin a 4-game tour of exhibition games.

The select Philippine UK team, currently stationed in Bacolod, made the journey to train and test themselves against some of their Pinoy counterparts. The team has around 20 players that come from cities such as Liverpool, Birmingham, Reading and London.

Scottish coach James Hall was in a confident mood before the team headed out.

“Fitness will be the main key and climate change will be difficult, but our football will win us through. We are looking forward to meeting these teams with excitement and giving them competitive games, making new friends, and being ambassadors from the UK”, Hall said.

Philippine-UK football selection teamA large contingent of the players were piped from the UK’s first amateur Pinoy football side – PFC (Philippine Football Club). The team has been running since 2009 and currently competes in Division One of the West Hertfordshire League, just outside of London.

In an email to ABS-CBN Europe, Hall explained how he approached PFC a few months ago and offered them the chance to train and play a few tune up games before heading out to the Philippines.

PFC was created not only to give British-based Pinoys a chance to play together, but also to scout potential talent that could be considered for teams in the Philippines, or even the national team. Eager to realize a dream, the players accepted the opportunity.

Excitement

Less than a week before flying out, it was evident there was an air of excitement within the camp.

“Finally it’s here. We’ve had a few ups and downs, a few chops and changes with our management and coaches, but the bottom line is, we’re off to the Philippines. We’ve been presented with an opportunity so it’s up to us to take it,” said Midfielder Oliver Liyanage.

Goalkeeper Engelbert Cepillo said, “This is one of the major stepping stones for the team. Three years now together? This came up and we’re just taking it as it is”.

Forward Raymond Tordecilla added, “Looking forward to it, but not sure about the weather, we’re used to the English weather. I heard it’s monsoon season there so it will be hard to adapt, especially if it’s raining. It will be a hard test for us. I am sure they [the opposition teams] will be really fit but we’ll show them a bit of English football, something a bit different”, Tordecilla said.

PH-UK vs Bacolod United

On Monday (October 24) the Philippine UK team played its first game of the tour against Bacolod United and cruised to a 5 – 0 victory. Despite this, some Philippine UK players were reportedly left battered and bruised by Bacolod’s physical approach.

During their short visit, the British Pinoys are hoping to catch the eye of everyone, especially those within the PFF (Philippine Football Federation).

“It is a dream for any Filipino player to go to his homeland and impress the Azkal management. I am confident that the players with the good attitudes will in fact do this”, coach Hall said.

The next game is on Thursday (October 27) against San Carlos City FC. Following that will be Sagay City on October 31, then finally Ceres FC on November 3.

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