The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) hailed the efforts made by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), Olympic Council of Malaysia, and the Malaysia Organizing Committee (MASOC) after revising the South East Asian Games Football tournament draw mechanics which will be held on 8 July 2017.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) approved the amendments as proposed by FAM, Olympic Council of Malaysia, and MASOC last 5 July 2017 after the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) made known their concerns regarding the initial SEA Games draw. The draw mechanics for both the Men’s Under-22 and Women’s tournaments were affected by the changes.
The revised Men’s Under-22 draw will see two groups, one of five teams, the other with six teams. The Philippines, which finished fifth in Group A in 2015, are in Pot 3.
For the Women’s competition, there will be two groups of three teams each. The Philippines are in Pot 2 after finishing third in Group A in 2013.
Host country Malaysia and the winners of the SEA Games Men’s Under-22 (2015) and Women’s (2013) tournaments, Thailand, are seeded and grouped in Group A and B respectively.
Currently, the Philippine Men’s Under-22 team is in Japan for a training camp in preparation for both the AFC Under-23 Championships and the SEA Games. The Women’s team on the other hand, are also in training ahead of the SEA Games.
“We are delighted with the changes made in the SEA Games draw mechanics,” said PFF General Secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes. “We hope that both our Philippine Under-22 and Women’s teams will get a favourable draw in the SEA Games.”
