Infantino in Manila for two-day visit

photo from the Philippine Football Federation

It was only a week ago that Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) President Gianni Infantino made his way to the Philippines, as he continued his Asian roadshow, meeting with officials from the Philippine Football Federation.

Supportive of the continued growth of the sport across all levels, Infantino checked in on the federation's efforts to further develop football in the Philippines in line with their FIFA Forward Programme, as well as to also see what else can the organization do with regards to football development.

The FIFA Forward Programme is laid out for its Member Associations to develop football through three main principles: more investment, more impact, and more oversight.

By meeting with Infantino, the PFF leadership, led by president Mariano Araneta, Jr. and general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes reported on the federation's efforts to promote the sport, focusing on infrastructure, technical capacity building, competition, grassroots, the National League, and the national teams.

Infantino shares, "I'm very positive about football in the Philippines, I mean, already if you see the most recent results in the last year or two with qualification in the Asian Cup for men and for women as well, where maybe the Philippines we’re here in the region and now you know it's much more competitive so the last couple of years I've shown that some work is done and that some progress is made."

He adds, "(There are) 110 million people and there's talent on the field as well. I'm sure the Philippines will play a key role in the future, certainly in the ASEAN region but also in the world."

The Philippines is one of only eight nations that managed to make it to the tournament proper of the AFC Asian Cup for men (2019) and women (2018).

In addition, Infantino also issued a challenge for the PFF, says "We want to see the Philippines in the World Cup or at least fighting very close to be in the World Cup. For this reason, we have also increased the number of teams for the World Cup. From 32 to 48 and for the Women’s from 24 to 32, because we need to increase participation." He notes, "We need to make it truly global and we need to increase the level."

Araneta remarks, "We thank Mr. Gianni Infantino for his memorable visit to the country. His visit to the country has been an eye-opener for everyone. We know that more work has to be done to continuously develop the sport in the country, and with help from the private and public sectors, football will continue to foster."

Aside from meeting the football leadership in the country, he also met with Senators Manny Pacquiao and Pia Cayetano, sharing ideas on how sports can inspire and help the youth and communities.