PFF to appeal Azkals' suspensions to FIFA

by Camille B. Naredo, abs-cbnNEWS.com


MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President Mariano "Nonong" Araneta has confirmed that they will appeal the suspensions of Azkals Aly Borromeo and Stephan Schrock before the FIFA.

"We received a reply from AFC (Asian Football Confederation) yesterday," Araneta said. "They said we can appeal to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee."

FIFA is football’s highest governing body.

Borromeo and Schrock were suspended after incurring two yellow cards each in their 1st round World Cup Qualifier against Sri Lanka.

Last week, PFF had sent a letter to the AFC requesting them to allow Borromeo and Schrock to play in the Azkals’ upcoming game against Kuwait.

Araneta said the FIFA Disciplinary Committee can "exceptionally depart from or amend this rule before the start of a particular competition."

But Araneta admitted that the chances of FIFA allowing the 2 Azkals to play are slim.

"Sabi nga nila, parang suntok sa buwan ito," he said.

He added, however, that the Azkals are already preparing to play without Borromeo and Schrock.

"If they can play, that's added value. But the team is already preparing to play without the 2 guys," Araneta said.

Rape allegations

Araneta also commented on the rumors swirling in the Internet, accusing 4 Azkals of rape.

"The players have given their side, they denied it," Araneta said. "Ayaw ko nang i-sensationalize 'yun."

He added that he has not spoken to the players yet about the issue, and that they have not talked about the possibility of filing a libel case against Paul Weiler, who allegedly started the rumor.

"Paul Weiler is misrepresenting himself and misrepresenting the PFF," Araneta said.

"Depende sa players (if they will file a case). They know their rights," he added. "The PFF will support them."

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