By Mike T. Limpag - Sun Star Cebu
THANKS but no, thanks.
Philippine national men’s football team manager Dan Palami shot down the idea of him replacing Nonong Araneta as the president of the Philippine Football Federation in the November elections.
Palami said football in the Philippines hasn’t reached its full potential yet and running against Araneta would be a divisive exercise.
“I’m sure they have their reasons to prod me to run. They know that I have the best interest of football in mind. They know of my management skills. However, I don’t want this. Football in the Philippines hasn’t fully blossomed and I don’t want a divisive exercise,” said Palami.
Palami, who recently resigned from his position at APT Global Inc. to concentrate on his job as the team manager and four other positions in his real estate companies, manpower company, a school board and as head of marketing of the PFF, said he supports Araneta.
“I’m contented with the support that Nonong Araneta is giving us and this is the time for us to unite behind the PFF,” Palami said.
Araneta, who was also prodded by stakeholders to run in the 2007 elections against Mari Martinez and Ed Formosa, took over the PFF presidency in December last year when the PFF Board of Governors ousted Martinez.
Palami said he will support Araneta if he decides to run for another term in the November elections.
“He (Araneta) will have my support and I hope he continues to support my initiatives as manager of the national team,” said Palami.
Meanwhile, Palami said the national team will try to maximize the Fifa-designated dates for friendlies in 2012, which could mean a busy year for the Azkals.
“Playing friendlies is one way of improving our rank,” Palami said. “It will give the players more time to play together for better cohesion. It will also allow us to evaluate new players.”
Aside from friendlies against national team, Palami said an events management company has offered to bring in European clubs and said they have received offers from second and third division teams in Spain.
“If Liverpool can have a friendly in Malaysia, perhaps the Philippines will be the next stop?” said Palami, who acknowledged bringing in a top tier club like Liverpool would be expensive.
“We are also looking at inviting Fulham, Neil Etheridge’s club, for a friendly,” he said.
Aside from the friendlies, the Azkals will be joining two tournaments next year—the AFC Challenge Cup and the Suzuki Cup.
The Azkals qualified for the AFC Challenge Cup main draw in Nepal for the first time after winning the qualifiers last March and for the Suzuki Cup, the Azkals won’t have to go through the qualifiers for the first time.
“Before the Challenge Cup, we are planning to hold a training camp in the Gulf area,” he said.
Palami also said the PFF is looking at hosting the Suzuki Cup but the lack of pitches is hampering that move.
“Manila needs a second pitch,” he said.
Showing posts with label Philippine Football Federation (PFF). Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philippine Football Federation (PFF). Show all posts
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Football from Chelsea to Manila, via PlayStation
By Aidan Jones (AFP)
MANILA — With boy band good looks, a tutelage at Chelsea and a large dose of luck -- courtesy of a computer game -- two British-born brothers are stirring an unlikely football fever in the Philippines.
The beautiful game has for the first time pinched some of the limelight from basketball, the nation's favourite sport.
With their potent mix of skill and celebrity the national team, nicknamed the Azkals (street dogs), have wooed patriotic Filipinos through a series of gutsy World Cup pre-qualifying games.
At the centre of Azkal-mania are the half-Filipino Younghusband brothers, 24-year-old Phil, a fleet-footed striker, and his brother James, 25, a rangy central midfielder.
Their giddy rise from the fringes of the Jose Mourinho's Chelsea team to the heart of a national side on the other side of the world owes a lot to an improbable source -- PlayStation's popular Championship Manager game.
A young gamer researching players is credited with spotting the pair, who have a Philippine mother.
"The story goes that the kid told the PFF (Philippines Football Federation) we were Filipinos playing for Chelsea," says Phil, who reached the Premier League giants' first team while his brother was a reserve.
Desperate to inject top-level overseas experience into a lacklustre national side, the PFF approached Chelsea about the Younghusbands' eligibility.
"Our manager came to us and asked if we were interested in playing for the Philippines and since we came home regularly anyway, we tried out and joined the national team in 2005," Phil explains.
The move is looking increasingly shrewd, both on and off the pitch.
The Younghusbands have quickly become A-list stars across the island archipelago, drawing a legion of adoring fans -- most of them women.
Their faces adorn billboards plugging everything from mobile phones to canned tuna, while local actresses and models routinely declare their affection for the pair in gossip magazines.
Football is also on the up, and while it may never challenge basketball's status, the pair are confident their adopted country has enough passion for the sport to justify the establishment of a domestic professional league.
"It took eight years for the J-League of Japan to get where it is today. Hopefully it can take half that amount here," said James.
A professional league would also help wean the national side off its dependency on stars born or based overseas.
Nearly half of the current 23-man squad play abroad, including in the US, Spain, Germany and Iceland.
A glance at a team sheet including the Younghusbands, goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and defenders Robert Gier and Stephan Schrock also reveals the number of mixed-race players wearing the national shirt.
Despite the brothers' faith in the Philippine game, the obstacles ahead are daunting.
The Azkals are ranked a humble 162nd by FIFA, the homegrown talent pool is narrow -- many Filipinos still see football as an elite sport -- while facilities and financing are patchy.
The Philippines does not have an astroturf training pitch and it was a mad scramble to widen stands for the 13,000 crowd who flocked to Manila's national stadium for a recent World Cup pre-qualifying match against Sri Lanka.
On the day, rain cascaded down the stairwells of the only covered stand as the Azkals hammered the hapless visitors 4-0.
Outside, a platoon of touts and hawkers competed with the roar of jeepneys and motorbikes to sell tickets and Azkals paraphernalia.
The Younghusbands, who played with Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba, say the match was further evidence that Filipinos are warming to football, if only because their diminutive frames are better suited to mazy dribbles then slam dunks.
And the signs so far are promising. Although the national team was knocked out of World Cup contention by Kuwait, Azkal-fever has not waned.
With tournaments in Taiwan and Indonesia ahead and the interest in the side widening to include, among others, Etheridge (a Fulham FC reserve), the Philippines are no longer content to play whipping boys to regional giants such as Japan, South Korea and China.
Keen to continue the momentum, the Younghusbands have established a football academy, hunting new homegrown talent and raising the profile of the game.
"We can't play football forever and the only way to be in football is to share our knowledge and experience with our fellow Filipinos," said James.
Team manager Dan Palami says the country is fertile ground for the sport and is aiming for a strong qualifying run for the 2018 Russia World Cup.
But he strikes a note of caution over the current Azkals frenzy.
"Filipinos can be fickle, they will love us while we win, but will they be with us if we stop improving?" he says.
Outside Manila's ramshackle Rizal national stadium, fans who watched the demolition of Sri Lanka were adamant the love affair with football is more than just a fling.
Wearing 'Go Azkals!' T-shirts and with the Philippine tricolore daubed on their faces, sisters Abigal and Christine Carbero said football will only get bigger.
"Yes, Phil and James are very handsome," 27-year-old Christine said. "But it's more than that. The rest of the world plays football, why can't we?"
MANILA — With boy band good looks, a tutelage at Chelsea and a large dose of luck -- courtesy of a computer game -- two British-born brothers are stirring an unlikely football fever in the Philippines.
The beautiful game has for the first time pinched some of the limelight from basketball, the nation's favourite sport.
With their potent mix of skill and celebrity the national team, nicknamed the Azkals (street dogs), have wooed patriotic Filipinos through a series of gutsy World Cup pre-qualifying games.
At the centre of Azkal-mania are the half-Filipino Younghusband brothers, 24-year-old Phil, a fleet-footed striker, and his brother James, 25, a rangy central midfielder.
Their giddy rise from the fringes of the Jose Mourinho's Chelsea team to the heart of a national side on the other side of the world owes a lot to an improbable source -- PlayStation's popular Championship Manager game.
A young gamer researching players is credited with spotting the pair, who have a Philippine mother.
"The story goes that the kid told the PFF (Philippines Football Federation) we were Filipinos playing for Chelsea," says Phil, who reached the Premier League giants' first team while his brother was a reserve.
Desperate to inject top-level overseas experience into a lacklustre national side, the PFF approached Chelsea about the Younghusbands' eligibility.
"Our manager came to us and asked if we were interested in playing for the Philippines and since we came home regularly anyway, we tried out and joined the national team in 2005," Phil explains.
The move is looking increasingly shrewd, both on and off the pitch.
The Younghusbands have quickly become A-list stars across the island archipelago, drawing a legion of adoring fans -- most of them women.
Their faces adorn billboards plugging everything from mobile phones to canned tuna, while local actresses and models routinely declare their affection for the pair in gossip magazines.
Football is also on the up, and while it may never challenge basketball's status, the pair are confident their adopted country has enough passion for the sport to justify the establishment of a domestic professional league.
"It took eight years for the J-League of Japan to get where it is today. Hopefully it can take half that amount here," said James.
A professional league would also help wean the national side off its dependency on stars born or based overseas.
Nearly half of the current 23-man squad play abroad, including in the US, Spain, Germany and Iceland.
A glance at a team sheet including the Younghusbands, goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and defenders Robert Gier and Stephan Schrock also reveals the number of mixed-race players wearing the national shirt.
Despite the brothers' faith in the Philippine game, the obstacles ahead are daunting.
The Azkals are ranked a humble 162nd by FIFA, the homegrown talent pool is narrow -- many Filipinos still see football as an elite sport -- while facilities and financing are patchy.
The Philippines does not have an astroturf training pitch and it was a mad scramble to widen stands for the 13,000 crowd who flocked to Manila's national stadium for a recent World Cup pre-qualifying match against Sri Lanka.
On the day, rain cascaded down the stairwells of the only covered stand as the Azkals hammered the hapless visitors 4-0.
Outside, a platoon of touts and hawkers competed with the roar of jeepneys and motorbikes to sell tickets and Azkals paraphernalia.
The Younghusbands, who played with Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba, say the match was further evidence that Filipinos are warming to football, if only because their diminutive frames are better suited to mazy dribbles then slam dunks.
And the signs so far are promising. Although the national team was knocked out of World Cup contention by Kuwait, Azkal-fever has not waned.
With tournaments in Taiwan and Indonesia ahead and the interest in the side widening to include, among others, Etheridge (a Fulham FC reserve), the Philippines are no longer content to play whipping boys to regional giants such as Japan, South Korea and China.
Keen to continue the momentum, the Younghusbands have established a football academy, hunting new homegrown talent and raising the profile of the game.
"We can't play football forever and the only way to be in football is to share our knowledge and experience with our fellow Filipinos," said James.
Team manager Dan Palami says the country is fertile ground for the sport and is aiming for a strong qualifying run for the 2018 Russia World Cup.
But he strikes a note of caution over the current Azkals frenzy.
"Filipinos can be fickle, they will love us while we win, but will they be with us if we stop improving?" he says.
Outside Manila's ramshackle Rizal national stadium, fans who watched the demolition of Sri Lanka were adamant the love affair with football is more than just a fling.
Wearing 'Go Azkals!' T-shirts and with the Philippine tricolore daubed on their faces, sisters Abigal and Christine Carbero said football will only get bigger.
"Yes, Phil and James are very handsome," 27-year-old Christine said. "But it's more than that. The rest of the world plays football, why can't we?"
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Southeast Asian Games-bound Azkals plan Japan training
By Cedelf P. Tupas - Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA—The Phillipines Football Federation (PFF) is eyeing Japan as a possible training location for the national under-23 team that will see action in the Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia in December.
This was confirmed by PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta, who said that the Under-23 Azkals plan to be in Japan for at least a week in October for the final phase of their buildup for the biennial meet.
The senior Azkals actually trained in Japan early this year for their away clash with Mongolia in the AFC Challenge Cup.
The Philippines has not participated in men’s football in the last two SEA Games stagings, but team officials are hopeful the Filipino booters can finally nail a medal this time.
Several players from the senior squad like goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and midfielders Jason de Jong, Manuel Ott, Yannick Tuason and Simon Greatwich are all eligible for the SEA Games, raising hopes of a strong performance in Jakarta.
Araneta said the Azkals are also holding a week-long training camp in Bacolod in September to prepare for the Long Teng Cup.
Meanwhile, Araneta announced that the minor kinks have been ironed out in the PFF’s memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Sports Commission in relation to the Fifa Goal Project at the Philsports pitch.
The PFF head honcho said that, on the recommendation of International Football Federation (Fifa), the PFF and PSC have agreed to a 50-50 sharing from the earnings from the use of the artificial turf that will be constructed at the Philsports.
The PFF is leasing the facility for the next 25 years.
The PFF’s share from the revenues, Araneta said, will go to the maintenance of the artificial pitch.
A Fifa representative is scheduled to visit PhilSports in September to determine the requirements for the construction of the artificial pitch.
MANILA—The Phillipines Football Federation (PFF) is eyeing Japan as a possible training location for the national under-23 team that will see action in the Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia in December.
This was confirmed by PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta, who said that the Under-23 Azkals plan to be in Japan for at least a week in October for the final phase of their buildup for the biennial meet.
The senior Azkals actually trained in Japan early this year for their away clash with Mongolia in the AFC Challenge Cup.
The Philippines has not participated in men’s football in the last two SEA Games stagings, but team officials are hopeful the Filipino booters can finally nail a medal this time.
Several players from the senior squad like goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and midfielders Jason de Jong, Manuel Ott, Yannick Tuason and Simon Greatwich are all eligible for the SEA Games, raising hopes of a strong performance in Jakarta.
Araneta said the Azkals are also holding a week-long training camp in Bacolod in September to prepare for the Long Teng Cup.
Meanwhile, Araneta announced that the minor kinks have been ironed out in the PFF’s memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Sports Commission in relation to the Fifa Goal Project at the Philsports pitch.
The PFF head honcho said that, on the recommendation of International Football Federation (Fifa), the PFF and PSC have agreed to a 50-50 sharing from the earnings from the use of the artificial turf that will be constructed at the Philsports.
The PFF is leasing the facility for the next 25 years.
The PFF’s share from the revenues, Araneta said, will go to the maintenance of the artificial pitch.
A Fifa representative is scheduled to visit PhilSports in September to determine the requirements for the construction of the artificial pitch.
Vietnam turns down Azkals’ invite for a friendly
By Cedelf P. Tupas - Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA-—Southeast Asian powerhouse Vietnam has also turned down the invitation of the Philippine Football Federation for a friendly duel with the Azkals on October 9 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said he plans to invite Bangladesh—a team the Azkals defeated, 3-nil, in the AFC Challenge Cup last March, but are ranked 16 places higher than the Philippines at 146 in the Fifa rankings.
Araneta said holding a friendly at a Fifa international date like October 9 is the only way to ensure that all players, especially those based in Europe, will be released by their clubs.
Among the Europe-based players in the national team are Stephan Schrock, who plays for Greuther Furth in the German second division; Neil Etheridge, the second-choice keeper of Fulham in the English Premiere League; and Paul Mulders, who plays for ADO Den Haag in the Dutch Eredivise.
“This is still part of our build-up for the Challenge Cup next year,” Araneta said. “We have to prepare our team for that tournament, and one of the ways to do it is by having them play together in international matches.”
Nepal, which will host the Challenge Cup in March next year, had earlier declined the Philippines’ invitation for a friendly in October, citing a festival in the country during that month.
Malaysia also declined, citing the unavailability of its players who are playing in the domestic league, Araneta said.
But the reigning Southeast Asian champions are actually scheduled to play a friendly against 2006 and 2010 World Cup qualifier Australia in Sydney on October 7.
Vietnam has a big Asian opponent in October in Japan, which it will face in a friendly in Kobe.
Notwithstanding the spurned offers, Araneta said he would rather focus on the fact that it is now the PFF looking for friendly international matches for the Azkals unlike before when the team barely gets to play warmup matches.
“We want the Azkals to play against a country that is ranked higher than us, so a win will help boost our standings,” Araneta said.
MANILA-—Southeast Asian powerhouse Vietnam has also turned down the invitation of the Philippine Football Federation for a friendly duel with the Azkals on October 9 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said he plans to invite Bangladesh—a team the Azkals defeated, 3-nil, in the AFC Challenge Cup last March, but are ranked 16 places higher than the Philippines at 146 in the Fifa rankings.
Araneta said holding a friendly at a Fifa international date like October 9 is the only way to ensure that all players, especially those based in Europe, will be released by their clubs.
Among the Europe-based players in the national team are Stephan Schrock, who plays for Greuther Furth in the German second division; Neil Etheridge, the second-choice keeper of Fulham in the English Premiere League; and Paul Mulders, who plays for ADO Den Haag in the Dutch Eredivise.
“This is still part of our build-up for the Challenge Cup next year,” Araneta said. “We have to prepare our team for that tournament, and one of the ways to do it is by having them play together in international matches.”
Nepal, which will host the Challenge Cup in March next year, had earlier declined the Philippines’ invitation for a friendly in October, citing a festival in the country during that month.
Malaysia also declined, citing the unavailability of its players who are playing in the domestic league, Araneta said.
But the reigning Southeast Asian champions are actually scheduled to play a friendly against 2006 and 2010 World Cup qualifier Australia in Sydney on October 7.
Vietnam has a big Asian opponent in October in Japan, which it will face in a friendly in Kobe.
Notwithstanding the spurned offers, Araneta said he would rather focus on the fact that it is now the PFF looking for friendly international matches for the Azkals unlike before when the team barely gets to play warmup matches.
“We want the Azkals to play against a country that is ranked higher than us, so a win will help boost our standings,” Araneta said.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Malaysia booters face a dilemma
By FRANCIS SANTIAGO - Manila Bulletin
MANILA, Philippines — Malaysia may just field in a not-so-strong second unit when it defends its men’s football crown in the Southeast Asian Games three months from now, a development that could boost the Philippines and the rest of the field’s gold medal aspirations in the biennial meet slated in Indonesia.
The Football Association of Malaysia maybe forced to use its Under-23 team ‘B’ in the regional kickfest after its ‘A’ team, known as Harimau Muda, found itself in a middle of the clash of dates for the 2012 London Olympics qualifier and the SEA Games.
The Philippines is looking to land a first ever medal since competing in the event in 1977.
The SEAG football games begin Nov. 7 and the final is on Nov. 22 while Malaysia’s campaign in the Olympic qualifiers starts with an away match against Japan on Sept. 21 followed by two home matches against Syria and Bahrain on Nov. 23 and 27 respectively, according to a report by The Star (Malaysia).
Given this tight schedule, it will be nearly impossible for Malaysia to field its best squad on both competitions.
Malaysia is the hands down favorite in the SEAG on the strength of its title conquest in 2009 at the expense of Vietnam, a win that ended a 20-year title drought.
But the same report said that “assuming they (Malaysia) qualify for the (SEAG) final (on Nov. 22) there is no way they can play the Olympic qualifying match against Syria in Kuala Lumpur the following day (on Nov 23). Under FIFA competition regulations the players must have 48 hours of rest after an international game.”
Malaysia coach Ong Kim Swee, who is presiding over a training camp in Slovakia, said he will ask the Asian Football Confederation to re-schedule the Nov. Olympic qualifying dates to resolve the dilemma.
“I hope we can get a favorable reply, if not we are in trouble,” Kim Swee told The Star.
“Fielding two teams is not the option. The SEA Games is part of the preparations for the Olympic qualifiers. So, it is not going to do any good by having two teams but again if we have no choice we will have to. Personally, I want the best team for the two competitions and if there is no choice, then, it is up to FAM to make a decision – whether to field a second team for the SEA Games,” Kim Swee continued.
Reached for comment, Philippine Football Federation chief Mariano ‘Nonong’ Araneta said if ever Malaysia opts to field a second team, it will raise the Filipinos’ chances for medals.
“Malaysia’s first team is really strong. They just lost to Chelsea 0-1 in Chelsea’s Asian Tour last month,” Araneta said.
MANILA, Philippines — Malaysia may just field in a not-so-strong second unit when it defends its men’s football crown in the Southeast Asian Games three months from now, a development that could boost the Philippines and the rest of the field’s gold medal aspirations in the biennial meet slated in Indonesia.
The Football Association of Malaysia maybe forced to use its Under-23 team ‘B’ in the regional kickfest after its ‘A’ team, known as Harimau Muda, found itself in a middle of the clash of dates for the 2012 London Olympics qualifier and the SEA Games.
The Philippines is looking to land a first ever medal since competing in the event in 1977.
The SEAG football games begin Nov. 7 and the final is on Nov. 22 while Malaysia’s campaign in the Olympic qualifiers starts with an away match against Japan on Sept. 21 followed by two home matches against Syria and Bahrain on Nov. 23 and 27 respectively, according to a report by The Star (Malaysia).
Given this tight schedule, it will be nearly impossible for Malaysia to field its best squad on both competitions.
Malaysia is the hands down favorite in the SEAG on the strength of its title conquest in 2009 at the expense of Vietnam, a win that ended a 20-year title drought.
But the same report said that “assuming they (Malaysia) qualify for the (SEAG) final (on Nov. 22) there is no way they can play the Olympic qualifying match against Syria in Kuala Lumpur the following day (on Nov 23). Under FIFA competition regulations the players must have 48 hours of rest after an international game.”
Malaysia coach Ong Kim Swee, who is presiding over a training camp in Slovakia, said he will ask the Asian Football Confederation to re-schedule the Nov. Olympic qualifying dates to resolve the dilemma.
“I hope we can get a favorable reply, if not we are in trouble,” Kim Swee told The Star.
“Fielding two teams is not the option. The SEA Games is part of the preparations for the Olympic qualifiers. So, it is not going to do any good by having two teams but again if we have no choice we will have to. Personally, I want the best team for the two competitions and if there is no choice, then, it is up to FAM to make a decision – whether to field a second team for the SEA Games,” Kim Swee continued.
Reached for comment, Philippine Football Federation chief Mariano ‘Nonong’ Araneta said if ever Malaysia opts to field a second team, it will raise the Filipinos’ chances for medals.
“Malaysia’s first team is really strong. They just lost to Chelsea 0-1 in Chelsea’s Asian Tour last month,” Araneta said.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Azkals to stay the course, says Aly
By Joaquin Henson The Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines - Philippine national football team skipper Aly Borromeo said yesterday the Azkals won’t rest on their laurels and vowed to intensify the quest for respectability in Asia, riding on the momentum created by qualifying for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup finals and reaching the second round of the World Cup Asia eliminations for the first time in the country’s history.
Borromeo, 28, said the Azkals won’t reunite until they compete in the Long Teng Cup in Kaohsiung on Sept. 28-Oct. 6. Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano Araneta said the team playing in Kaohsiung will be a mix of senior and under-23 players gearing for the Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia in November. Meanwhile, the Azkals have gone their different ways. Borromeo, for instance, will take a two-week vacation in Australia up to the end of the month before rejoining the Kaya club which is now coached by Juan Cutillas and recently recruited Azkals Jason Sabio and Nate Burkey.
Reflecting on the second leg of the recent Kuwait series, Borromeo said the Azkals never considered playing defensively after taking a 1-0 lead at the half because they were determined to overhaul the 0-3 carryover deficit from the first encounter. There was speculation the Azkals, playing at home, would only try to preserve the 1-0 edge and content themselves with a win regardless of the aggregate tally. Cortal, a major sponsor, promised P1 Million for each goal on condition the Azkals beat Kuwait and P500,000 for each goal if the Azkals lost.
Borromeo said when Kuwait’s Fahed Al Ebrahim was ejected in the 58th minute, the Azkals felt it was time to strike harder. “We were up, 1-0, and they were down to 10 men,” recalled Borromeo. “We went on the attack. Then, they scored on a 35-yard kick, something we never expected. Neil (Etheridge) would’ve stopped a shot like that 98 percent of the time. We thought they would try to come closer to the goal and our defense was ready. But that’s where you saw their edge in experience. The ball went up and took a dip over Neil to enter the goal. We couldn’t believe it at first.”
Kuwait’s equalizer came only three minutes after Al Ebrahim’s ejection on a red card. Still, the Azkals fought on but couldn’t get a break. In the 85th minute, Waheed Jumah delivered the marginal goal on a mad scramble inside the penalty area.
“Rob (Gier) and I covered our men as they entered the strike zone,” said Borromeo. “Unfortunately, the ball struck Rob and was deflected to the flank where Kuwait suddenly got a 3-on-1 advantage, forcing Neil to rush out. They kicked the ball towards the goal with Neil out of position. Rob recovered to kick the ball but it was too late to stop it from going in.”
Borromeo said the biggest lesson the Azkals learned from the Kuwait series was the importance of composure. “We learned it doesn’t pay to rush things,” he said. “Kuwait had all options covered. They knew which flanks to attack and which flanks to defend. They saw we marked their best player No. 17 (Bader Al Mutwa) so to counter it, they used him as decoy to throw us off. We weren’t bothered by the flashy play of No. 7 (Fahad Al Enezi). We see that from a lot of good players like Ronaldo. They don’t mean to make fun of the defense. They just want to distract you, to create a situation where you’re going one way and they’re going the other. We never adjusted on the pitch, we lacked tactics. Rob and I were often left protecting the midfield so Stephan (Shrock) could be more aggressive in offense but our defense never adjusted to cover the gap. They were a superior team so we had to be more prepared than them. Still, we played better than we ever did.”
Facing superior teams will go a long way in raising the Azkals’ level of play. In Kuwait, the local league employs foreign stars who go overseas to extend their earning capacity in the twilight of their careers and homegrown players improve just by playing against them.
Borromeo welcomed the opportunity of locking horns with teams that are ranked higher than the Azkals by FIFA. That’s the reason why the PFF is inviting Nepal, ranked No. 136, to play the Azkals, ranked No. 162, in an exhibition here on Oct. 6. Nepal will host the AFC Challenge Cup finals in March and the Philippines is one of eight contenders.
Another positive development with the Azkals is how they come together to fight as a unit. “Before each match, we meet on our own and figure out what to do,” he said. “Out there on the pitch, we have no contact with our coaching staff so we just rely on each other. Coach (Michael) Weiss is a good motivator and does his job preparing us off the pitch. He keeps everyone in the loop and that’s important because many of our players come and go.”
Borromeo said he’s inspired and encouraged by the surge of interest in football. “I think the local league will get stronger,” he said. “There are foreigners applying to play. TV networks are bidding to air the matches. Football games from abroad used to be shown on TV as fillers now they’re being followed by fans. We don’t want to lose the momentum.”
Borromeo and teammate Anton del Rosario conducted tryouts for Fil-Ams in San Francisco last April. They picked four prospects out of 37 who showed up. Burkey, O. J. Porteria and James Rochlitz were among the survivors. Borromeo said the team is always on the lookout for more talents to beef up the roster. A player in the radar is 14-year-old Matthew Custodio, a prolific Fil-British striker from La Salle Greenhills.
Sports patron and businessman Jack Rodriguez said he’s convinced that the country’s top sports brand today is the Azkals. “It’s phenomenal what the Azkals have done for football in the Philippines,” said Rodriguez. “When I used to play goalkeeper for La Salle in the 1960s, I remember there were more cockroaches, mice and bumble bees in the stands than fans. I never thought I’d live to see the day when the stadium would be packed for football. The Azkals have brought passion back into the game.”
MANILA, Philippines - Philippine national football team skipper Aly Borromeo said yesterday the Azkals won’t rest on their laurels and vowed to intensify the quest for respectability in Asia, riding on the momentum created by qualifying for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup finals and reaching the second round of the World Cup Asia eliminations for the first time in the country’s history.
Borromeo, 28, said the Azkals won’t reunite until they compete in the Long Teng Cup in Kaohsiung on Sept. 28-Oct. 6. Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano Araneta said the team playing in Kaohsiung will be a mix of senior and under-23 players gearing for the Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia in November. Meanwhile, the Azkals have gone their different ways. Borromeo, for instance, will take a two-week vacation in Australia up to the end of the month before rejoining the Kaya club which is now coached by Juan Cutillas and recently recruited Azkals Jason Sabio and Nate Burkey.
Reflecting on the second leg of the recent Kuwait series, Borromeo said the Azkals never considered playing defensively after taking a 1-0 lead at the half because they were determined to overhaul the 0-3 carryover deficit from the first encounter. There was speculation the Azkals, playing at home, would only try to preserve the 1-0 edge and content themselves with a win regardless of the aggregate tally. Cortal, a major sponsor, promised P1 Million for each goal on condition the Azkals beat Kuwait and P500,000 for each goal if the Azkals lost.
Borromeo said when Kuwait’s Fahed Al Ebrahim was ejected in the 58th minute, the Azkals felt it was time to strike harder. “We were up, 1-0, and they were down to 10 men,” recalled Borromeo. “We went on the attack. Then, they scored on a 35-yard kick, something we never expected. Neil (Etheridge) would’ve stopped a shot like that 98 percent of the time. We thought they would try to come closer to the goal and our defense was ready. But that’s where you saw their edge in experience. The ball went up and took a dip over Neil to enter the goal. We couldn’t believe it at first.”
Kuwait’s equalizer came only three minutes after Al Ebrahim’s ejection on a red card. Still, the Azkals fought on but couldn’t get a break. In the 85th minute, Waheed Jumah delivered the marginal goal on a mad scramble inside the penalty area.
“Rob (Gier) and I covered our men as they entered the strike zone,” said Borromeo. “Unfortunately, the ball struck Rob and was deflected to the flank where Kuwait suddenly got a 3-on-1 advantage, forcing Neil to rush out. They kicked the ball towards the goal with Neil out of position. Rob recovered to kick the ball but it was too late to stop it from going in.”
Borromeo said the biggest lesson the Azkals learned from the Kuwait series was the importance of composure. “We learned it doesn’t pay to rush things,” he said. “Kuwait had all options covered. They knew which flanks to attack and which flanks to defend. They saw we marked their best player No. 17 (Bader Al Mutwa) so to counter it, they used him as decoy to throw us off. We weren’t bothered by the flashy play of No. 7 (Fahad Al Enezi). We see that from a lot of good players like Ronaldo. They don’t mean to make fun of the defense. They just want to distract you, to create a situation where you’re going one way and they’re going the other. We never adjusted on the pitch, we lacked tactics. Rob and I were often left protecting the midfield so Stephan (Shrock) could be more aggressive in offense but our defense never adjusted to cover the gap. They were a superior team so we had to be more prepared than them. Still, we played better than we ever did.”
Facing superior teams will go a long way in raising the Azkals’ level of play. In Kuwait, the local league employs foreign stars who go overseas to extend their earning capacity in the twilight of their careers and homegrown players improve just by playing against them.
Borromeo welcomed the opportunity of locking horns with teams that are ranked higher than the Azkals by FIFA. That’s the reason why the PFF is inviting Nepal, ranked No. 136, to play the Azkals, ranked No. 162, in an exhibition here on Oct. 6. Nepal will host the AFC Challenge Cup finals in March and the Philippines is one of eight contenders.
Another positive development with the Azkals is how they come together to fight as a unit. “Before each match, we meet on our own and figure out what to do,” he said. “Out there on the pitch, we have no contact with our coaching staff so we just rely on each other. Coach (Michael) Weiss is a good motivator and does his job preparing us off the pitch. He keeps everyone in the loop and that’s important because many of our players come and go.”
Borromeo said he’s inspired and encouraged by the surge of interest in football. “I think the local league will get stronger,” he said. “There are foreigners applying to play. TV networks are bidding to air the matches. Football games from abroad used to be shown on TV as fillers now they’re being followed by fans. We don’t want to lose the momentum.”
Borromeo and teammate Anton del Rosario conducted tryouts for Fil-Ams in San Francisco last April. They picked four prospects out of 37 who showed up. Burkey, O. J. Porteria and James Rochlitz were among the survivors. Borromeo said the team is always on the lookout for more talents to beef up the roster. A player in the radar is 14-year-old Matthew Custodio, a prolific Fil-British striker from La Salle Greenhills.
Sports patron and businessman Jack Rodriguez said he’s convinced that the country’s top sports brand today is the Azkals. “It’s phenomenal what the Azkals have done for football in the Philippines,” said Rodriguez. “When I used to play goalkeeper for La Salle in the 1960s, I remember there were more cockroaches, mice and bumble bees in the stands than fans. I never thought I’d live to see the day when the stadium would be packed for football. The Azkals have brought passion back into the game.”
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Nepal invited to test Azkals' mettle
By Joaquin Henson The Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano Araneta Jr. said yesterday Nepal, ranked No. 136 by FIFA, has been invited to play the Azkals in an exhibition match here on Oct. 9 and it will be an early preview of what to expect in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup finals in March.
Nepal is hosting the Challenge Cup finals where seven other countries are playing after a series of qualifiers. The eight teams in the finals are the Philippines, India, Maldives, North Korea, Palestine, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Nepal.
Araneta said a plan for Manila to host a four-team invitational tournament has been scrapped because of conflicts with FIFA schedules. The Philippines, ranked No. 162 by FIFA, is booked to play in the Challenge Cup and the Suzuki Cup next year. The national under-23 squad, coached by Michael Weiss, will compete in the coming Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia. The PFF’s contract with Weiss expires in 2013.
Araneta confirmed that the Azkals will participate in the Long Teng Cup in Kaohsiung on Sept. 28-Oct. 6. The tournament is traditionally among host Chinese-Taipei, Macau, Hong Kong and the Philippines. But organizers are planning to expand the cast to six with invitations sent out to Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia. Last year, the Philippines posted a 1-1-1 record in the competition, crushing Macau, 5-0, losing to Hong Kong, 4-2, and tying with Chinese-Taipei, 1-1.
Araneta said he expects Fulham goalkeeper Neil Etheridge to fly in for the Kaohsiung tournament. The Azkals will not undergo special training for the Long Teng Cup. However, the under-23 team will set up boot camp in Kuwait or Bahrain or Japan before the SEA Games in Indonesia on Nov. 11-22.
Regarding a training program for the Azkals in Europe, Araneta said he spoke with Sen. Edgardo Angara on the phone three weeks ago about the possibility of arranging a tie-up with a Spanish club. Last year, three officials from Real Madrid were in Manila to explore a working relationship with the PFF through Sen. Angara. It was then agreed that the PFF, still under former president Mari Martinez, would get the ball rolling by formally requesting training assistance from Real Madrid. An eyewitness said the Real Madrid and PFF officials shook hands to indicate a meeting of the minds. The formal letter, however, was never sent. The protocol in such an arrangement involves a triggering letter of request from a national federation and a city-to-city agreement to cement the relationship. Martinez was eventually replaced by Araneta who said he knows nothing about the Real Madrid meeting.
Araneta said he was informed that the Barcelona Football Club is interested to look into the early history of Filipino football star Paulino Alcantara who was born in Iloilo in 1896. Alcantara was the first Filipino ever to play in Europe and made his Barcelona debut at the age of 17. He finished his football career as Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer with 357 goals in 357 matches, a record that remains unmatched and unsurpassed. Alcantara later served as Barcelona club director and Spanish national coach. He died in 1964.
“We were advised that the Spanish consul would like to visit Iloilo sometime next month and find out more about Mr. Alcantara’s beginnings, how he is revered in Iloilo,” said Araneta. “Perhaps, this could be the start of a relationship between Iloilo and Barcelona and between the Azkals and the Barcelona Football Club.”
Sen. Angara recently announced in his twitter account that the Congreso de los Diputados in Spain, headed by Jose Bono Martinez, has issued an institutional declaration affirming close ties between the Philippines and Spain. The Philippines was cited by the Spanish Congress for “unparalleled magnanimity” towards Spanish soldiers during the Siege of Baler in 1898-99. The bond linking both countries is celebrated on Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day every June 30 as decreed by the Philippine government.
As for the Azkals incentives, Araneta revealed that each player received $1,000 after the recent Sri Lanka home-and-away series. Before the home game against Kuwait, the PFF gave the Azkals $500 with the promise of a $1,000 bonus for a win and a $4,000 reward for making it into the third round of the World Cup Asia qualifiers.
Cortal, a major Azkals sponsor, also offered incentives for the home match against Kuwait – P1 Million for every goal in a win and P500,000 for every goal in a loss. As it turned out, the Philippines lost a 2-1 heartbreaker. Because of the Azkals’ lone goal in the defeat, Cortal is committed to pay out P500,000. It’s not certain if the players will get a share of the incentive. Araneta said he is not involved in the commercial aspects of marketing the Azkals and wouldn’t know if the players will receive a share or if Cortal has even paid the bonus. He said team manager Dan Palami, who has registered the Azkals trademark, is in charge of the marketing affairs. As of yesterday, a high-profile Azkals player said he had not received a share of the Cortal incentive and didn’t know if the players would be given by Palami.
Araneta said the PFF grossed over P20 Million in ticket sales for the Sri Lanka and Kuwait matches at the Rizal Memorial. “We were told La Salle spends about P900,000 a year to maintain the pitch and we’re grateful to La Salle for transforming it into a world-class field,” he said. “We’re offering to pay half the maintenance costs as we know La Salle spent over P8 Million to rehabilitate the pitch and we’ll be making extensive use of it. We still have a lot to do in sprucing up Rizal, like cleaning up the restrooms in the gallery section. The unmoving clock on the giant scoreboard is an eyesore and we’ve had to rent two electronic scoreboards for the recent matches. We hope the Philippine Sports Commission will consider replacing the giant clock scoreboard with a digital system.”
MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano Araneta Jr. said yesterday Nepal, ranked No. 136 by FIFA, has been invited to play the Azkals in an exhibition match here on Oct. 9 and it will be an early preview of what to expect in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup finals in March.
Nepal is hosting the Challenge Cup finals where seven other countries are playing after a series of qualifiers. The eight teams in the finals are the Philippines, India, Maldives, North Korea, Palestine, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Nepal.
Araneta said a plan for Manila to host a four-team invitational tournament has been scrapped because of conflicts with FIFA schedules. The Philippines, ranked No. 162 by FIFA, is booked to play in the Challenge Cup and the Suzuki Cup next year. The national under-23 squad, coached by Michael Weiss, will compete in the coming Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia. The PFF’s contract with Weiss expires in 2013.
Araneta confirmed that the Azkals will participate in the Long Teng Cup in Kaohsiung on Sept. 28-Oct. 6. The tournament is traditionally among host Chinese-Taipei, Macau, Hong Kong and the Philippines. But organizers are planning to expand the cast to six with invitations sent out to Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia. Last year, the Philippines posted a 1-1-1 record in the competition, crushing Macau, 5-0, losing to Hong Kong, 4-2, and tying with Chinese-Taipei, 1-1.
Araneta said he expects Fulham goalkeeper Neil Etheridge to fly in for the Kaohsiung tournament. The Azkals will not undergo special training for the Long Teng Cup. However, the under-23 team will set up boot camp in Kuwait or Bahrain or Japan before the SEA Games in Indonesia on Nov. 11-22.
Regarding a training program for the Azkals in Europe, Araneta said he spoke with Sen. Edgardo Angara on the phone three weeks ago about the possibility of arranging a tie-up with a Spanish club. Last year, three officials from Real Madrid were in Manila to explore a working relationship with the PFF through Sen. Angara. It was then agreed that the PFF, still under former president Mari Martinez, would get the ball rolling by formally requesting training assistance from Real Madrid. An eyewitness said the Real Madrid and PFF officials shook hands to indicate a meeting of the minds. The formal letter, however, was never sent. The protocol in such an arrangement involves a triggering letter of request from a national federation and a city-to-city agreement to cement the relationship. Martinez was eventually replaced by Araneta who said he knows nothing about the Real Madrid meeting.
Araneta said he was informed that the Barcelona Football Club is interested to look into the early history of Filipino football star Paulino Alcantara who was born in Iloilo in 1896. Alcantara was the first Filipino ever to play in Europe and made his Barcelona debut at the age of 17. He finished his football career as Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer with 357 goals in 357 matches, a record that remains unmatched and unsurpassed. Alcantara later served as Barcelona club director and Spanish national coach. He died in 1964.
“We were advised that the Spanish consul would like to visit Iloilo sometime next month and find out more about Mr. Alcantara’s beginnings, how he is revered in Iloilo,” said Araneta. “Perhaps, this could be the start of a relationship between Iloilo and Barcelona and between the Azkals and the Barcelona Football Club.”
Sen. Angara recently announced in his twitter account that the Congreso de los Diputados in Spain, headed by Jose Bono Martinez, has issued an institutional declaration affirming close ties between the Philippines and Spain. The Philippines was cited by the Spanish Congress for “unparalleled magnanimity” towards Spanish soldiers during the Siege of Baler in 1898-99. The bond linking both countries is celebrated on Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day every June 30 as decreed by the Philippine government.
As for the Azkals incentives, Araneta revealed that each player received $1,000 after the recent Sri Lanka home-and-away series. Before the home game against Kuwait, the PFF gave the Azkals $500 with the promise of a $1,000 bonus for a win and a $4,000 reward for making it into the third round of the World Cup Asia qualifiers.
Cortal, a major Azkals sponsor, also offered incentives for the home match against Kuwait – P1 Million for every goal in a win and P500,000 for every goal in a loss. As it turned out, the Philippines lost a 2-1 heartbreaker. Because of the Azkals’ lone goal in the defeat, Cortal is committed to pay out P500,000. It’s not certain if the players will get a share of the incentive. Araneta said he is not involved in the commercial aspects of marketing the Azkals and wouldn’t know if the players will receive a share or if Cortal has even paid the bonus. He said team manager Dan Palami, who has registered the Azkals trademark, is in charge of the marketing affairs. As of yesterday, a high-profile Azkals player said he had not received a share of the Cortal incentive and didn’t know if the players would be given by Palami.
Araneta said the PFF grossed over P20 Million in ticket sales for the Sri Lanka and Kuwait matches at the Rizal Memorial. “We were told La Salle spends about P900,000 a year to maintain the pitch and we’re grateful to La Salle for transforming it into a world-class field,” he said. “We’re offering to pay half the maintenance costs as we know La Salle spent over P8 Million to rehabilitate the pitch and we’ll be making extensive use of it. We still have a lot to do in sprucing up Rizal, like cleaning up the restrooms in the gallery section. The unmoving clock on the giant scoreboard is an eyesore and we’ve had to rent two electronic scoreboards for the recent matches. We hope the Philippine Sports Commission will consider replacing the giant clock scoreboard with a digital system.”
Little Azkals to take part in PFF-Smart tournament
CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON - Cebu Daily News
THE LITTLE Azkals left for Cagayan de Oro yesterday to take part in a series of friendly games as part of the ongoing Philippine Football Federation (PFF)-Smart Club Championships.
Their big brothers, the Azkals, are also seeing action in the competition.
Head coach Oliver Colina said seeing action in the friendly games is part of the Little Azkals’ continued training under the PFF program, which falls under the grassroots and youth development committee headed by Richard Montayre, who is also the Cebu Football Association (CFA) president.
Montayre revealed in an earlier interview that the long-term goal of the Little Azkals is the U23 Qualifier for Qatar World Cup 2022.
He said they plan to keep the team together for a year to bolster its sustainability. The team is comprised of players from Cebu, National Capital Region (NCR), Cagayan de Oro, Davao City , Dumaguete City , and Dipolog.
Whenever possible pending school obligations, the Little Azkals will gather in Cebu for training for the whole year. This has been agreed between Montayre, Colina and the parents of the Little Azkals.
Because of its accessibility, it was decided to make Cebu as the training ground.
The Little Azkals had one international stint via the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U13 Festival of Football in Sabah Malaysia last June, wherein they won three games, had three draws and four losses.
They also played in the recently held 2011 Treadtel Cup, where they finished runner-up in the boys-14 category after losing to the Don Bosco Technology Center.
THE LITTLE Azkals left for Cagayan de Oro yesterday to take part in a series of friendly games as part of the ongoing Philippine Football Federation (PFF)-Smart Club Championships.
Their big brothers, the Azkals, are also seeing action in the competition.
Head coach Oliver Colina said seeing action in the friendly games is part of the Little Azkals’ continued training under the PFF program, which falls under the grassroots and youth development committee headed by Richard Montayre, who is also the Cebu Football Association (CFA) president.
Montayre revealed in an earlier interview that the long-term goal of the Little Azkals is the U23 Qualifier for Qatar World Cup 2022.
He said they plan to keep the team together for a year to bolster its sustainability. The team is comprised of players from Cebu, National Capital Region (NCR), Cagayan de Oro, Davao City , Dumaguete City , and Dipolog.
Whenever possible pending school obligations, the Little Azkals will gather in Cebu for training for the whole year. This has been agreed between Montayre, Colina and the parents of the Little Azkals.
Because of its accessibility, it was decided to make Cebu as the training ground.
The Little Azkals had one international stint via the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U13 Festival of Football in Sabah Malaysia last June, wherein they won three games, had three draws and four losses.
They also played in the recently held 2011 Treadtel Cup, where they finished runner-up in the boys-14 category after losing to the Don Bosco Technology Center.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Model being linked to the Azkals' rape allegation kicked out of show; Madrigal, Palami defend accused players
By JULIEN MERCED C. MATABUENA - Manila Bulletin
MANILA, Philippines – A model was reportedly kicked out of one of the special segments in the FHM’s 100 Sexiest victory party held on July 14 because of her purported involvement in the Philippine Azkals’ rape controversy---as the alleged victim.
“How would you feel kung nadawit ka, or 'yung anak mo or sister mo 'di ba? So you can just imagine how I feel, 'di ba?” the model, whose face was not shown on camera, told “TV Patrol” in a taped interview aired on Thursday.
However, she refused to talk about the controversial issue at hand as she and her lawyer are still looking into the case.
“I already referred that matter to my lawyer and he advised me not to be out in the open until we have studied the case thoroughly including all its ramifications. So for now, no comment on that issue.
“'Pag na-rape ka ba mapu-prove mo ba agad sa 'kin 'yun or whatever? 'Di ba? So no comment on that [rape allegation],” she stressed.
In a separate report by PEP, published also on Thursday, the model related that she was already informed of her status in the FHM 100 Sexiest victory party. Still, she came to the venue to “insist to be still in the show” and was still able to join the morning rehearsal.
“GMA-7 was able to record it na I was rehearsing for the show, [but] two people talked to me again and told me that they really have to pull me out from the show,” she was quoted by PEP as saying.
She also admits to feeling harassed, saying, “Why is my job being taken away from me? This is my job.”
Asked by PEP if her being pulled out of the show was in any way connected to the Azkals issue, the model replied, “You tell me, do you think it has something to do with the Azkals? Would you be here interviewing me if my name was not being linked to the Azkals?”
Apollo Sangalang, the model’s lawyer, also sent in a text message, as shown in the same “TV Patrol” report, saying that they “have yet to decide on the next step to take re the case.”
Sangalang cited the issue’s complicated and personal nature as their reasons for doing so, adding that “because [girl's name edited out] is a model, she doesn't want this issue to appear like a publicity stunt.
“And next she also doesn't want to downgrade [or] put in a bad light or pull down the entire Azkal team and the entire Phil football. She doesn't want to do that,” he insisted.
More, the report said that based on the model’s Facebook profile, she is currently a Physics major studying at the University of the Philippines.
FHM, in its statement published in abovementioned PEP article, confirmed that the model was indeed pulled out from the show but clarified, “it's the brand's prerogative because it's their segment buy in the show... We just want to make it clear, hindi FHM ang nagpa-pull out sa kanya.”
In the midst of rigorous training for their upcoming World Cup qualifying match vs. Kuwait on July 23, four members of the Azkals – namely Neil Etheridge, Jason Sabio, Simon Greatwich and Anton del Rosario – were accused early this week by a certain Paul Weiler, allegedly a self-proclaimed Philippine Football Federation consultant, of raping a woman the players allegedly met at a bar.
As of this writing, all the accused, except for Etheridge, have already personally disproved these allegations through interviews aired in “24 Oras” and “TV Patrol.”
Sexy actress Michelle Madrigal, who apparently was also being speculated in blogs and Internet forums as the yet-to-be-named alleged rape victim, also reacted on the issue on July 12.
However, she did not clarify in her statement whether she’s addressing just the rape allegation as a whole, or if she’s also answering the rape victim rumor.
“Morning!don't believe everything u read online or on the papers.its all rumors n accuzation.thanks to all my fans for being on my side and for the narrow minded people,may god bless u.let's stay positive everyone! Think 1st sa tingin nyo ba kung nangyari talaga yun will be active on twitter? The boys don't need this right now.lets pray that they win the game vs kuwait!” Madrigal’s tweet read.
Recall that Madrigal was rumored a few weeks back to have been dating Etheridge. She later on disproved this through Twitter and said that she is just good friends with the striker.
“People should stop assuming..I'm friends with neil,simon n anton.wala naman kayong alam kaya sana wag kayo gumawa ng kwento.don't hate coz I'm cool w them!to all the fans I'm NOT dating neil etheridge.I don't normally care about what people say but your words are hurting me deeply.thank u n godbless!” she posted on July 4.
Etheridge, in a separate exclusive interview with PEP, likewise denied dating Madrigal.
In related news, Azkals’ team manager Dan Palami laments that some of his team members are being accused of rape at such a crucial time.
“It is unfortunate that as we prepare for one of the most important matches, issues that are based on sources that have been proven to be non-credible are being used to malign several members of the team,” Palami’s exclusive statement sent via text message to PEP on July 14.
Palami further stated that he “will never tolerate actions such as those being alleged and would certainly take disciplinary action on erring players” as manager.
However, like what he already claimed in a live interview with “24 Oras” on Monday, Palami maintained that he “need[s] more than an internet blog, and a statement of a purported PFF [Philippine Football Federation] Consultant that has been officially disowned by the PFF itself, before i can take action."
In a separate phone interview, also with PEP on Wednesday, the team manager stressed that Weiler “is not in any way related to the team."
In his SMS statement, Palami went on to say that the team is “trying to focus on the job we have to do..."
More, the same PEP report cited two unnamed sources close to the Azkals who told them that the rape accusation is “not true.”
MANILA, Philippines – A model was reportedly kicked out of one of the special segments in the FHM’s 100 Sexiest victory party held on July 14 because of her purported involvement in the Philippine Azkals’ rape controversy---as the alleged victim.
“How would you feel kung nadawit ka, or 'yung anak mo or sister mo 'di ba? So you can just imagine how I feel, 'di ba?” the model, whose face was not shown on camera, told “TV Patrol” in a taped interview aired on Thursday.
However, she refused to talk about the controversial issue at hand as she and her lawyer are still looking into the case.
“I already referred that matter to my lawyer and he advised me not to be out in the open until we have studied the case thoroughly including all its ramifications. So for now, no comment on that issue.
“'Pag na-rape ka ba mapu-prove mo ba agad sa 'kin 'yun or whatever? 'Di ba? So no comment on that [rape allegation],” she stressed.
In a separate report by PEP, published also on Thursday, the model related that she was already informed of her status in the FHM 100 Sexiest victory party. Still, she came to the venue to “insist to be still in the show” and was still able to join the morning rehearsal.
“GMA-7 was able to record it na I was rehearsing for the show, [but] two people talked to me again and told me that they really have to pull me out from the show,” she was quoted by PEP as saying.
She also admits to feeling harassed, saying, “Why is my job being taken away from me? This is my job.”
Asked by PEP if her being pulled out of the show was in any way connected to the Azkals issue, the model replied, “You tell me, do you think it has something to do with the Azkals? Would you be here interviewing me if my name was not being linked to the Azkals?”
Apollo Sangalang, the model’s lawyer, also sent in a text message, as shown in the same “TV Patrol” report, saying that they “have yet to decide on the next step to take re the case.”
Sangalang cited the issue’s complicated and personal nature as their reasons for doing so, adding that “because [girl's name edited out] is a model, she doesn't want this issue to appear like a publicity stunt.
“And next she also doesn't want to downgrade [or] put in a bad light or pull down the entire Azkal team and the entire Phil football. She doesn't want to do that,” he insisted.
More, the report said that based on the model’s Facebook profile, she is currently a Physics major studying at the University of the Philippines.
FHM, in its statement published in abovementioned PEP article, confirmed that the model was indeed pulled out from the show but clarified, “it's the brand's prerogative because it's their segment buy in the show... We just want to make it clear, hindi FHM ang nagpa-pull out sa kanya.”
In the midst of rigorous training for their upcoming World Cup qualifying match vs. Kuwait on July 23, four members of the Azkals – namely Neil Etheridge, Jason Sabio, Simon Greatwich and Anton del Rosario – were accused early this week by a certain Paul Weiler, allegedly a self-proclaimed Philippine Football Federation consultant, of raping a woman the players allegedly met at a bar.
As of this writing, all the accused, except for Etheridge, have already personally disproved these allegations through interviews aired in “24 Oras” and “TV Patrol.”
Sexy actress Michelle Madrigal, who apparently was also being speculated in blogs and Internet forums as the yet-to-be-named alleged rape victim, also reacted on the issue on July 12.
However, she did not clarify in her statement whether she’s addressing just the rape allegation as a whole, or if she’s also answering the rape victim rumor.
“Morning!don't believe everything u read online or on the papers.its all rumors n accuzation.thanks to all my fans for being on my side and for the narrow minded people,may god bless u.let's stay positive everyone! Think 1st sa tingin nyo ba kung nangyari talaga yun will be active on twitter? The boys don't need this right now.lets pray that they win the game vs kuwait!” Madrigal’s tweet read.
Recall that Madrigal was rumored a few weeks back to have been dating Etheridge. She later on disproved this through Twitter and said that she is just good friends with the striker.
“People should stop assuming..I'm friends with neil,simon n anton.wala naman kayong alam kaya sana wag kayo gumawa ng kwento.don't hate coz I'm cool w them!to all the fans I'm NOT dating neil etheridge.I don't normally care about what people say but your words are hurting me deeply.thank u n godbless!” she posted on July 4.
Etheridge, in a separate exclusive interview with PEP, likewise denied dating Madrigal.
In related news, Azkals’ team manager Dan Palami laments that some of his team members are being accused of rape at such a crucial time.
“It is unfortunate that as we prepare for one of the most important matches, issues that are based on sources that have been proven to be non-credible are being used to malign several members of the team,” Palami’s exclusive statement sent via text message to PEP on July 14.
Palami further stated that he “will never tolerate actions such as those being alleged and would certainly take disciplinary action on erring players” as manager.
However, like what he already claimed in a live interview with “24 Oras” on Monday, Palami maintained that he “need[s] more than an internet blog, and a statement of a purported PFF [Philippine Football Federation] Consultant that has been officially disowned by the PFF itself, before i can take action."
In a separate phone interview, also with PEP on Wednesday, the team manager stressed that Weiler “is not in any way related to the team."
In his SMS statement, Palami went on to say that the team is “trying to focus on the job we have to do..."
More, the same PEP report cited two unnamed sources close to the Azkals who told them that the rape accusation is “not true.”
Azkals manager mulls lawsuit over 'rape' rumor
by Jojo Malig, abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines - The manager of the Philippine Azkals is considering suing the sources of a rumor claiming that 4 members of the national football team raped a woman.
Dan Palami said he is now consulting lawyers for their next move.
"I've asked the lawyers to check if we'll have sufficient basis for action," he said.
Palami reiterated his stand on the issue.
"All these accusations are baseless," he said.
He added that he has talked to the players accused of involvement in the issue.
"They have a different version to tell. So I said, let's stop this," he added.
Palami said the rumor's source was German Paul Weiler.
He said Weiler "purports to be a PFF (Philippine Football Federation) consultant, and (who has) since then been denied and disclaimed by the PFF. "
"We have to rely on the credibility of the source and I know that the source is not credible," he added.
"(Weiler) has been applying as a consultant dito sa Azkals and I've turned him down repeateadly," Palami said.
A check by abs-cbnNEWS.com on Weiler's background showed that he has been hounded by allegations of fraud and wrongdoing through the years.
Football blogs and website forums dating back to 2006 accused Weiler of making up stories with regard to his official positions in sports organizations.
Weiler has dismissed the allegations against him, calling them "degrading."
Palami, meanwhile, said facts must be established before he decides on his next step.
"I don't want to proceed based on alleged action. Until now, everything is alleged," he said.
Michelle Madrigal seeks support for Azkals
Meanwhile, actress and model Michelle Madrigal has denied insinuations in gossip blogs that she was the girl allegedly raped by the Azkals members.
"Don't believe everything you read online or on the papers," she said in her Twitter account. "It's all rumors and accusations."
"Think first, sa tingin niyo ba kung nangyari talaga yun will be active on Twitter? The boys don't need this right now. Let's pray that they win the game versus Kuwait," Madrigal said, referring to the Philippines' FIFA World Cup second round qualification tie against Kuwait later this month.
Madrigal issued the statement, even as a glamor model whose name was also dragged into the scandal cried foul on Thursday.
The model said she was removed from the roster of a men's magazine show allegedly because of the rape rumor.
She has also secured the services of a lawyer to study her legal options.
MANILA, Philippines - The manager of the Philippine Azkals is considering suing the sources of a rumor claiming that 4 members of the national football team raped a woman.
Dan Palami said he is now consulting lawyers for their next move.
"I've asked the lawyers to check if we'll have sufficient basis for action," he said.
Palami reiterated his stand on the issue.
"All these accusations are baseless," he said.
He added that he has talked to the players accused of involvement in the issue.
"They have a different version to tell. So I said, let's stop this," he added.
Palami said the rumor's source was German Paul Weiler.
He said Weiler "purports to be a PFF (Philippine Football Federation) consultant, and (who has) since then been denied and disclaimed by the PFF. "
"We have to rely on the credibility of the source and I know that the source is not credible," he added.
"(Weiler) has been applying as a consultant dito sa Azkals and I've turned him down repeateadly," Palami said.
A check by abs-cbnNEWS.com on Weiler's background showed that he has been hounded by allegations of fraud and wrongdoing through the years.
Football blogs and website forums dating back to 2006 accused Weiler of making up stories with regard to his official positions in sports organizations.
Weiler has dismissed the allegations against him, calling them "degrading."
Palami, meanwhile, said facts must be established before he decides on his next step.
"I don't want to proceed based on alleged action. Until now, everything is alleged," he said.
Michelle Madrigal seeks support for Azkals
Meanwhile, actress and model Michelle Madrigal has denied insinuations in gossip blogs that she was the girl allegedly raped by the Azkals members.
"Don't believe everything you read online or on the papers," she said in her Twitter account. "It's all rumors and accusations."
"Think first, sa tingin niyo ba kung nangyari talaga yun will be active on Twitter? The boys don't need this right now. Let's pray that they win the game versus Kuwait," Madrigal said, referring to the Philippines' FIFA World Cup second round qualification tie against Kuwait later this month.
Madrigal issued the statement, even as a glamor model whose name was also dragged into the scandal cried foul on Thursday.
The model said she was removed from the roster of a men's magazine show allegedly because of the rape rumor.
She has also secured the services of a lawyer to study her legal options.
Monday, July 11, 2011
PFF appeals suspension of 2 Azkals
BY BONG PEDRALVEZ - Malaya Business Insight
THE Philippine Football Federation has appealed the one-game suspension of team captain Aly Borromeo and Fil-German midfielder Stefan Schrock, who were slapped two yellow cards in the Azkals’ first round qualifying series against Sri Lanka, to the Asian Football Confederation.
"We made the appeal to the AFC in the spirit of fair play and with the belief that we are severely handicapped without Borromeo and Schrock after having played two matches against Sri Lanka while Kuwait was awaiting us," PFF Mariano Araneta Jr. explained.
The Azkals advanced to the second round–a history first by a national team –after whipping the Sri Lankan Red Devils by a 5-1 aggregate in the home-and-away series, capped by a convincing 4-0 shutout last July 3 at the packed Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Borromeo and Schrock were slapped their second yellow cards in the return match after being booked with one each in the away leg held in Colombo last June 23.
The nationals play the opening leg against Kuwait in Kuwait City on July 23 before returning home for the second match on July 28 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila.
"We know the Kuwaitis are superior over the Filipinos already even without these two key players, so we are making this appeal hoping the AFC will allow us to play at full strength and given at least a chance," Araneta said.
With the certain return of Fil-Danish midfielder Jerry Lucena, who saw action for the country in the Asian Challenge Cup group tournament in Myanmar last April, the Filipino booters may survive the loss of Schrock, who is uncertain to play even if his ban is lifted because of commitments to his German club Greuter Furth.
The absence of Borromeo, however, will not only leave a gaping hole in the Philippine backline but also without a proven leader on the pitch.
If his suspension stays, midfielder Chieffy Caligdong has been tasked to be the skipper.
Fil-Icelander Ray Jonsson, who plays left back, will also be back for the Azkals.
THE Philippine Football Federation has appealed the one-game suspension of team captain Aly Borromeo and Fil-German midfielder Stefan Schrock, who were slapped two yellow cards in the Azkals’ first round qualifying series against Sri Lanka, to the Asian Football Confederation.
"We made the appeal to the AFC in the spirit of fair play and with the belief that we are severely handicapped without Borromeo and Schrock after having played two matches against Sri Lanka while Kuwait was awaiting us," PFF Mariano Araneta Jr. explained.
The Azkals advanced to the second round–a history first by a national team –after whipping the Sri Lankan Red Devils by a 5-1 aggregate in the home-and-away series, capped by a convincing 4-0 shutout last July 3 at the packed Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Borromeo and Schrock were slapped their second yellow cards in the return match after being booked with one each in the away leg held in Colombo last June 23.
The nationals play the opening leg against Kuwait in Kuwait City on July 23 before returning home for the second match on July 28 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila.
"We know the Kuwaitis are superior over the Filipinos already even without these two key players, so we are making this appeal hoping the AFC will allow us to play at full strength and given at least a chance," Araneta said.
With the certain return of Fil-Danish midfielder Jerry Lucena, who saw action for the country in the Asian Challenge Cup group tournament in Myanmar last April, the Filipino booters may survive the loss of Schrock, who is uncertain to play even if his ban is lifted because of commitments to his German club Greuter Furth.
The absence of Borromeo, however, will not only leave a gaping hole in the Philippine backline but also without a proven leader on the pitch.
If his suspension stays, midfielder Chieffy Caligdong has been tasked to be the skipper.
Fil-Icelander Ray Jonsson, who plays left back, will also be back for the Azkals.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Rain or shine, Azkals-Sri Lanka match in Manila to push through
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.
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.
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