Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa visited the Philippines last November 13-15, 2013 to strengthen ties and show AFC’s continued support for the development of the sport in the country.
Shaikh Salman paid a courtesy call to Vice President Jejomar Binay and met with Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Ricardo Garcia where he commended the efforts being done by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF).
“I am happy to note that grassroots activities organised in Philippines to mark the AFC Grassroots Year 2013 were among the best of all our Member Associations…We will extend all the technical and administrative support to the Philippines Football Federation (PFF) and help in constructing an artificial field in the country next year,” said Shaikh Salman.
In a press conference, he not only praised the Philippines for the progress of football in recent years but also emphasized the need for more infrastructures. He intimated AFC will provide more assistance to the PFF in the coming year.
“The Philippines have progressed in the past two years. I hope we can have more events in the ASEAN region,” he said. “Infrastructure–that will always be the issue.”
“We’ve discussed the 2014 support the AFC will bring through clinics to coaches, players,” he added.
PHL TO HOST AFC’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2014
With AFC being founded in Manila in 1954, and with the Philippines as one of the original 12 founding members, the AFC President announced that the AFC’s 60th Anniversary will be held here in November 2014.
“The AFC was founded in Manila 60 years ago on May 8, 1954, and it is therefore appropriate to return to the organisations’ roots while celebrating the 60th anniversary. The AFC Annual Awards in November next year will provide the perfect platform for the celebrations,” he said.
He added that around 500 dignitaries and football personalities from Asian and around the globe will attend this historic event. Most of all AFC Standing Committees will meet on the sidelines of the function.
AFC has appointed PFF President Mariano Araneta as the Chairman of the Working Committee of the 60th Anniversary Celebrations coinciding with the AFC Annual Awards Night 2014.