Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa led the delegation from AFC that made an official three-day visit to the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) over the weekend. The occasion was made more auspicious as it coincided with the 70th anniversary of the AFC which was established in Manila on May 8,1954 during the 2nd Asian Games.
During the visit, PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez and the members of the PFF Executive Committee presented the details of PFF’s plans for football development.
Gutierrez said, “Our comprehensive program focuses on providing pathways for local players; strengthening skills of coaches, referees and stakeholders; and creating a vibrant football culture in our country.”
Shaikh Salman lauded the PFF’s saying, “Football’s popularity, especially the women’s game, in the Philippines has grown exponentially in recent times and I am confident that under the capable leadership of President Gutierrez and his team, its exciting potential can be realised in the coming years.”
On May 9, the AFC President and delegation were feted at a gala dinner in Rockwell, Makati, to commemorate the AFC’s founding. Gutierrez presented Shaikh Salman with a plaque of appreciation.
“The AFC’s impact on Philippine football is immense and covers the development of players, the education of our coaches and personnel, building infrastructure, promotion of grassroots football, the rise of our Men’s team, and the FIFA qualification of the Women’s Team… among others. We value AFC’s contributions and are committed to working with them to further elevate football in the Philippines,” Gutierrez concluded. ***
