ABS-CBN, PFF sign TV deal

By FRANCIS SANTIAGO

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) and ABS-CBN have signed a partnership that will allow the broadcast firm to air the national football team’s games against Mongolia and in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup should the Azkals advance.

PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta and the giant TV network announced their formal partnership on Monday beginning with the Azkals match against Mongolia on Feb. 9 at the Panaad stadium in Bacolod City.

“We want to thank ABS-CBN because I think with this partnership, we can now compete with the country’s No. 1 sport, which is basketball,” Araneta said in a press briefing at the ABS-CBN compound.

But Araneta qualified that this will only happen if the Azkals’ success continues.

“We are off to a good start and this (partnership with PFF) would be the breakthrough Philippine football could enjoy for years to come,” said Peter Musngi, ABS-CBN vice president for Sports, who was present during the contract signing alongside Azkals team manager Dan Palami and new coach German Michael Weiss and members of the Azkals.

Manila Bulletin