It seems that Anton Del Rosario, the former Azkal and the force behind 7-a-side football in the country and in the region as well, has joined the growing clamor for accountability, transparency and more when it comes to our favorite national sporting association.
In a post on his social media account, Del Rosario raised several points, including how the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) uses the millions of funds it received from the Philippine Sports Commission and “the integrity of its financial operations.” He also mentioned that there is no promotional material (on the country’s hosting of the first-ever FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup set to start in a few days), delayed approval of funds, and even hearing stories of funds being coursed through shell companies.
“Not sure what to believe, but looking more and more like a ‘Flood Control’ situation,” Del Rosario posted. But what really takes the cake is when Del Rosario stressed the need that football players and the fans deserve better.
Knowing how many politicians, DPWH personnel, contractors and even their kin are so sensitive when it comes to allegations of corruption, it is expected that the PFF will take no exception to Del Rosario’s post.
The PFF came up with an initial statement on its website. Probably because allegations in social media are best addressed through a post in social media, too.
The initial statement lasted only several minutes before it was taken down and replaced with another one. It was basically the same but some revisions were done in the last paragraph.
In the original, the PFF maintained its “unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the proper stewardship of public sources.” The PFF also reiterated that it “strictly observes all government regulations, auditing procedures and auditing procedures and internal controls that every peso is properly allocated, disbursed and documented in accordance with law and sound financial standards.”
The last paragraph of the statement also stated that “Finally, PFF reserves the right to consider all legal remedies available under Philippine Law and FIFA or PFF regulations to appropriately address and respond to baseless and defamatory allegations made against PFF, its officers, and its partners.”
Sorry Anton, no mention of players, coaching and team staff.
In the revised statement, it was almost the same except in the the last paragraph which was edited into “Baseless allegations demean the dedication of athletes, coaches and staff who work tirelessly to advance the sport, the PFF reserves the right to pursue legal remedies under Philippine law and applicable regulations to protect the integrity of the institution and its stakeholders.”
See the big difference? Sorry folks, it is not Caloy Loyzaga.
One friend joked that the PFF also reserves the right to take down and edit earlier statements.
Del Rosario posted some sort of a rejoinder after the PFF made and edited its statement. Del Rosario said that his comments were made in good faith, without malice, motivated only by a desire to see greater clarity and integrity in how football is managed and supported.
“It is never wrong for members of the football community to ask questions or to call for transparency when public resources and the future of the game are at stake,” Del Rosario said in a statement.
Del Rosario likewise encouraged everyone who loves football to continue standing for accountability, fairness, honesty and how public funds are being used. Del Rosario, who played 47 games in a 14-year stint with the national team, added that he “trusts that the PFF, with its commitment to openness, will welcome genuine discussion and ensure that football continues to move forward with integrity and unity where lacking.”
While The Designated Kit Man would like to share Del Rosario’s optimism and faith with the PFF, I simply can’t. But I will always believe in Philippine football, that someday, somehow the sport will receive the support and recognition that it rightfully deserves, that all our national teams – whether the team formerly known as the Azkals, the Filipinas, Filipina5 or the youth squads – will get what they need to succeed and improve.
Going back to the flood control mess, the Designated Kit Man hopes that we will see the filing of charges against those, who robbed our people of their money, hope, lives and faith in the government will be put behind bars soon.
Ilang bagyo na at baha na ang dumaan, wala pa rin nakukulong!
But then again, just like what is happening in our favorite sport, expectation is an altogether different matter compared to what is reality.
On a more positive side, congratulations are in order to former Azkal and current One Taguig FC superstar Patrick Reichelt, who will be making his comeback to the Philippine Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT), but in a different capacity. Kiki has been invited to join the PMNFT as assistant team manager and will also serve as team spokesperson as the Philippines face Maldives in the resumption of the Asian Cup qualifiers.
Kiki said he is obviously very happy to be back with the team and although the invite happened so fast, it was no brainer on his part.
“I think I can have a lot of meaningful input in my new position and I’m looking forward to a successful camp in Dubai and the Maldives,” Reichelt said. He is also very grateful to his mother club for allowing him to join the national team.
Joining Reichelt on the comeback trail to the three stars and the sun is One Taguig FC’s goalkeeping coach and Azkal OG Ed Sacapano, who will mentor Kevin Mendoza, Quincy Kammerad and Nicholas Guimaraes in the away game on November 18 at the Maldives National Football Stadium in Male.
Joining the trio are defenders Amani Aguinaldo, Josef Baccay, Noah Leddel, Kike Linares, Jeff and Paul Tabinas, and Scott Woods. The midfielders include Oskari Kekkonen, John Lucero, Gavin Muens, Manny Ott, Sandro Reyes and Randy Schneider. Rounding up the men’s squad are forwards Dylan Demuynck, Jarvey Gayoso, Bjorn Kristensen, Andre Leipold, Alex Monis and Sebastian Rasmussen.
Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!
For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat
