MANILA, Philippines -- Foreign aid continued to pour in for Philippine football and PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta vowed transparency as his administration faces the tough task of ensuring that the assistance leads to sustainable development of the sport in the country.
Three Arab nations – Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain – were the latest to join Germany in pitching in to help the PFF in its programs with an annual financial assistance of $100,000 until 2014.
Araneta was able to secure the aid during the Asian Football Confederation Congress in Doha, Qatar, last week.
He said the money would be specifically allotted to national competitions.
Aside from the financial aid, the three countries have also offered to host the national team for free training camps.
Coinciding with Araneta’s visit to Qatar was Azkals team manager Dan Palami’s trip to Frankfurt, Germany, where he was also able to get an assistance package from the German Football Association (DFB).
“They have promised to help us with necessary things to make our team competitive,” said Araneta at a press conference at the Manila Yacht Club on Tuesday.
The PFF is planning to stage a men’s Under-23 tournament this year that will also serve as a try-out for the Southeast Asian Games.
“With more national tournaments, we will have a stronger pool for local players,” said Palami.
Philippine Olympic Committee chairman Monico Puentevella, who is also part of the PFF delegation in the AFC Congress, attributed the surge in support to the semifinal finish of the national team in the AFF Suzuki Cup last year.
The PFF also receives an annual aid of $250,000 from the International Football Federation (FIFA). Araneta said they were also set to receive $150,000 for their share of the gate receipts during the semifinals of the AFF Suzuki Cup in Indonesia.
“Rest assured we will be transparent in our financial dealings,” said Araneta.
