“This opportunity aligns perfectly with our vision to raise the standards of futsal officiating in the Philippines. The insights from case studies and practical simulations will enable us to implement more uniform and effective training programs, ultimately fostering a stronger, more competent pool of futsal officials who can compete at the highest levels in Asia and beyond.” – PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez
The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) is proud to announce the successful participation of PFF’s Technical Development Specialist Rey Ritaga and Futsal Technical Referee Instructor Dr. Porferio Barlas, Jr. in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Elite Futsal Referees & Instructors Seminar 2025, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from August 16 to 22.
This is in line with PFF’s commitment in supporting the development of its technical staff and officials through international collaborations, ensuring the continued progress of football and futsal in the Philippines.
The seminar underscored the AFC’s dedication to elevating refereeing standards in futsal across Asia, gathering elite futsal instructors and referees from Member Associations to focus on fitness enhancement, technological advancements, and alignment with global best practices.
The initial three days were tailored for AFC Futsal Instructors, emphasizing updates to the Laws of the Game and innovative teaching methodologies. The program then transitioned to referees, incorporating theoretical sessions and rigorous physical training. Key discussions covered uniformity in the Laws, alongside hands-on familiarization with Video Support (VS) technology.
A highlight of the seminar was the analysis of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand 2024, offering valuable case studies on VS applications and match incidents from various AFC competitions. Practical sessions included simulated match scenarios to test decision-making under pressure, complemented by fitness assessments. Additionally, classroom activities introduced new officials to the AFC Administrative System, promoting holistic development.
The event concluded with an interactive feedback session, reinforcing the AFC’s commitment to empowering Member Associations like the PFF to maximize their potential in futsal officiating.
Previously, PFF sent Filipino referees John Mike Basinang and Mick Jon Pineda to the AFC Referee Academy Batch 6 in Kuala Lumpur from May 12 to May 16, 2025.
PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez expressed his enthusiasm for Ritaga and Barlas’ involvement, stating, “Their participation in this prestigious AFC seminar is a significant step forward for Philippine futsal. By engaging with the latest amendments to the Laws of the Game and cutting-edge technologies like Video Support, he brings back invaluable knowledge that will directly contribute to the professional growth of our referees and instructors here in the Philippines.”
