“The AFC Professional Football Seminar 2025 provided PFF with invaluable insights into the latest standards, strategies, and innovations that are shaping the professional game across Asia. The knowledge and case studies shared by some of the most progressive leagues in the region will help in our professional growth as a Federation and in further refining our own domestic competitions and club licensing framework.” – PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez
Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Head of Competitions Ritchie Gannaban and Club Licensing First Instance Body Chair Atty. Rene S. Grapilon attended the AFC Professional Football Seminar 2025, acquiring invaluable knowledge not only for the country’s football development but also for the professional growth of PFF officials and staff.
Held from August 26 to 28 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the three-day seminar brought together more than one hundred football administrators and experts from across Asia. Participants engaged in dynamic discussions on the future of club football, the latest developments in AFC competitions, and the continuous professionalization of the sport.
Gannaban and Atty. Grapilon underscored how the event served as a valuable learning platform for Filipino football administrators.
“This means strengthening our league structure, enhancing the professional environment for our clubs, and creating clearer pathways for both men’s and women’s football. It also reinforces our commitment to aligning with AFC’s vision of excellence and ensuring our players, coaches, and clubs remain competitive at the continental level. Ultimately, the seminar equips us to raise the quality and sustainability of professional football in the Philippines, which will directly benefit our stakeholders and supporters,” said Gannaban.
Atty. Grapilon highlighted the legal and regulatory takeaways from the seminar and how these will contribute to the federation’s capacity-building efforts.
“The AFC Professional Football Seminar 2025 was a timely opportunity to deepen our understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that underpin professional club licensing. Strengthening our compliance with AFC standards is crucial to guarantee that our domestic leagues operate with transparency, fairness, and sustainability. The seminar showcased best practices from other federations that we can adapt to the Philippine context, particularly in areas such as governance, financial controls, and player welfare. This will allow us to better protect the integrity of the competition and safeguard the interests of all stakeholders. Ultimately, robust club licensing is the foundation for the long-term growth and credibility of professional football in the country,” Grapilon said.
The seminar featured case studies from leading leagues such as the J.League, Qatar Stars League, UAE Pro League, and Cambodia Premier League, offering practical examples of how to improve league governance and commercial development. PFF officials said these lessons will guide the federation as it continues to enhance the Philippines Football League (PFL) and strengthen club licensing compliance nationwide.
Women’s football was also a key focus of the discussions, aligning with the PFF’s ongoing efforts to create stronger domestic pathways for women players and sustain the momentum built by the Philippine women’s national team on the global stage.
For PFF, participating in international seminars like this one is part of a broader commitment to invest in the professional growth of its personnel. By equipping its staff and officials with the latest knowledge and tools, the federation ensures that its programs, competitions, and policies meet the highest international standards.
“The development of football begins with the development of the people who manage it,” said PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez. “Empowering our officials and staff with learning opportunities such as this seminar allows us to build stronger structures and deliver better football experiences for players, clubs, and fans.”
