Resolving power struggle, FIFA anoints new PHL football head

In the wake of Philippine football's greatest success in decades, the sport's international governing body has removed a political thorn in local football's side by recognizing Mariano "Nonong" Araneta as the new president of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF). Araneta was elected president last November 27 by a majority vote of the PFF board of governors, replacing Jose Mari Martinez, who was ousted on corruption allegations. But the International Football Association (FIFA, Fédération Internationale de Football Association) had continued to recognize Martinez. FIFA provides at least US$250,000 in financial assistance to the PFF every year. Martinez has denied the allegations and said that the sports body's money he was accused of stealing is all accounted for. The controversy had hung over the Philippine national team's heads as they battled more heralded foes in the just concluded biennial ASEAN championships, or the Suzuki Cup. The team, nicknamed the Azkals, eventually lost last week to Indonesia. In a letter to PFF general secretary Ramon F. Manuel, FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said that they consulted FIFA vice president and Association Committee chairman Geoff Thompson to give his opinion on the PFF’s decision. Thompson, in the letter, said the decision was in accordance with article 13.5 of the PFF By-Laws stating that: “Only the PFF Congress, by the affirmative vote of two thirds of the entire voting membership, may remove and replace the PFF president upon the recommendation and majority vote of the board of governors. The decision was based on the minutes of meetings by the PFF board of governors, held on September 25 and October 29, that they adopted a motion to remove Martinez from office. With the PFF leadership crisis over, the national football program can focus on building on the momentum established this year. Its triumph over heavily favored Vietnam in the Suzuki Cup had captured the imagination of a Philippine public that has long been indifferent to football. - Jon Perez, HS, GMANews.TV