Philippines top candidate for hosting 2012 Suzuki Cup

The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) is thinking of giving the hosting rights for the 2012 Suzuki Cup to the Philippines if the country can comply with the requirements for the biennial tournament.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV AFF competition committee chairman Ravy Khek said the buzz generated by the Philippine national men’s football team, more popularly known as the Azkals, had them thinking of bringing the tournament to the country. "With the team that is driving not only the Philippines crazy but the whole AFF, we should think about giving the Philippines the hosting of one of the two group stages in 2012," said Khek. The AFF said that they already approved the pitch condition of several football fields in the Philippines, based on the assessment they had made. Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental is one of the possible venues should the country earn the hosting rights for the 2012 Suzuki Cup. The AFF requires two stadiums to be used for the matches in the group stages of the Suzuki Cup. Other conditions set by the AFF are: 1. The stadium lights should meet AFF standards, with 1,200 lux required; 2. the football pitch or playing surface is in good condition; 3. security and numbered seating for the stadiums; and 4. the Philippines’ broadcast system should have a satellite beaming capability for live broadcasts. The AFF has also sent a letter informing the PFF that should the Philippines beat Indonesia in the double-leg semifinals match, the Azkals can play at home, with Panaad stadium as the likely venue for one of the Finals games.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV "We already sent a letter, stating that we are reconsidering the hosting for the finals if the national team qualified. The game will be played in Bacolod. We are expecting an answer from the PFF on this matter," said Khek. It can be recalled that the AFF did not allow the home game of the semis match to be played in the Philippines, since no stadium passed the standards of the Suzuki Cup. – JVP, KY, GMANews.TV