Reuben Terrado/JVP/HS, GMA News
The second leg of the 2014 World Cup Asian qualifying match between the Philippines and Sri Lanka on July 3 will be played as scheduled at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila regardless of weather conditions.
This as Philippine Football Federation (PFF) officials expressed optimism that the heavy downpour brought by tropical storm "Falcon" the past few days won't affect the field conditions at RMSC.
PFF officials and the media inspected the RMSC Thursday afternoon despite heavy rains brought about by Falcon.
"There is no water and no flood in the field. Rain or shine, the match will be played," said PFF president Mariano "Nonong" Araneta. “But of course, let us pray for good weather on July 3."
Cathy Rivilla, general coordinator for the home match between the Philippines and Sri Lanka, agreed.
"Only the referees can stop the match but based on my experience, there is no indication that the match will be postponed because there is no puddle of water in the field. But we are constantly monitoring the field," said Rivilla, an experienced football official in international competitions.
Rivilla added the match will only be postponed once the field is unplayable after a one-hour waiting period. The game will then be rescheduled the following day.
Rivilla also said that the lights at RMSC will be ready if the game reaches extra time and a penalty shootout.
"We have tested the lights. We thought that we would replace them but after minor repairs, we have determined that the lights are ready," Rivilla said.
The PFF said that the streets of M. Adriatico and Pablo Ocampo (formerly Vito Cruz) will be closed and will be used as a parking lot on a first-come-first-serve basis. The Manila Zoo and Harrison Plaza parking lots will also be used.
The PFF said that they will open the RMSC gates at 11 a.m.
No comments:
Post a Comment