Football supremo says PH has great future;

Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2019 09:35:10 +0000

FIFA President Gianni Infantino wants to see the Philippines to at least have a fighting chance to compete for a spot in the World Cup in the next 10 to 15 years if things continue to improve in the country’s local football scene.

“Certainly we want to see the Philippines in the World Cup or at least fighting very close to be in the World Cup,” Infantino told reporters representing major dailies during his short Manila visit that ended Monday.

GIANNI Infantino

The Manila stop was the latest in the FIFA chief’s tour of East Asia that included trips to North Korea, Brunei and Laos.

Infantino made a short visit to Senator Manny Pacquiao upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport before being briefed by Philippine Football Federation President Nonong Araneta about the recent projects of the national federation.

The 49-year-old Swiss-Italian, who has held FIFA’s top post since 2014, was pleased with the way the Philippines has made strides highlighted by stints by the senior men’s and women’s teams in the Asian Cup.

“I’m very positive about football in the Philippines,” said Infantino. “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 so the last couple of years I’ve shown that some work is done. And that some progress is made.

“Look at the size of the country, 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 but also in the world,” added Infantino.

Infantino also said having more football infrastructures and competitions in different levels with FIFA’s help will be beneficial in the Philippines’ hopes for more improvements.

“We’re investing over six million in
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