By Francis Respicio, News5
The Loyola Meralco Sparks will appeal the indefinite suspension that the Philippine Football Federation meted out against midfielder Matthew Hartmann.
The Sparks’ Vice Chairman Randy Roxas said that they have already sent a letter to the PFF stating their intent to appeal the case. According to Roxas, the team wants an explanation from the PFF Disciplinary Committee about the suspension.
In a letter dated January 25, 2012, the PFF advised the Filipino-British Hartmann of his suspension. Quoting the Disciplinary Committee’s decision, the letter read: “Effective immediately, the committee finds Hartmann ineligible to join any national football team. Further, effective immediately, the Committee disallows any football club or organization from fielding Hartmann in any PFF sanctioned tournaments.”
Loyola is part of the United Football League, which is sanctioned by the PFF.
In an earlier interview with News5, PFF president Nonong Araneta said that Hartmann’s suspension comes as a result of his departure from the Philippine Under-23 national team in the midst of the Southeast Asian Games football tournament. Hartmann, the captain of the squad, abandoned the team after a disagreement with coach Hans Michael Weiss.
Loyola is looking to appeal for a shorter suspension for Hartmann, and allowing the player to suit up for the Sparks in the UFL while the investigation is ongoing.
According to Roxas, Hartmann has filed an affidavit detailing the issues leading up to his walkout on the team, and has pleaded for leniency in his case.
Roxas added that Hartmann is disappointed by the PFF decision.
Loyola will be severely shorthanded in its next outing against Global FC on Wednesday. Apart from Hartmann, star striker Phil Younghusband will also miss the match after receiving a red card late in the Sparks’ 4-1 loss to Stallion Gilligan’s last Saturday.
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I stand-by the decision of the PFF to sanction ANY player who shows such misdemeanor. This would show that proper decorum in representing our country is really a must and not a joke.
ReplyDeleteNo this was a bad immature decision. Of course ban him from national teams. Recently Scotland has banned players from internationals but they did not try to ban from club football. Every FIFA member would have to honor the suspension so this would be a world ban. It is an overreaction that has to be reverssed.
ReplyDeleteI stand by the PFF's decision, too! Seems like the Azkal's international progress are getting into Hartmann's head. So far, he hasn't even been able to show his worth in the international setting that will merit his "star" status. His stint in the SEA Games was such a disappointment, to say the least. It's within PFF's right to keep its members in line and to impose sanctions to those who misbehave.
ReplyDeleteHartmann shouldn't have shown such an attitude if he did not want this to happen to himself! Just because he is half Briton, or something else in the national team, doesn't mean he will get special treatment. He deserves what he get!
ReplyDeleteHartmann had it coming. Sports equals discipline. A team captain abandoning his team after playing two lost games because he has issues with the coach shows utter lack of discipline and displays lack of respect to the country which he and his team represents. It was a National Team, for God's sake, thus he was playing for flag and country. If he were an ordinary team member maybe the penalty was a bit harsh. He deserves it now though. If years later he shows remorse, then maybe, just maybe, the period of his suspension can be reduced.
ReplyDeletehe can play in Vietnam. after all, he gave them a favor, right? hehehehehe
ReplyDeletePlaying for a national team is a great priviledge. He should never pull on a national team shirt again. Playing club soccer is a right and you cannot take it away unless he had done something illegal or corrupt. You don't hand out the same penalty for Hartmann's actions as you would for somebody taking bribes, selling drugs, or other illegal behavior. I'm not defending him but in criminal law, you don't treat a thief the same way you treat a murderer. If it is appealed to FIFA the suspension will be overturned and the PFF will look stupid.
ReplyDeletePlaying for a national football team is a privilege. Playing in a tournament participated in by football club (whether amateur or semi-professional or professional) is ALSO a privilege. It is NOT a right. All football tournaments are sanctioned by a lone federation governing football in a country, by itself or through its member association. If it is not sanctioned, it is not association football. UFL is sanctioned by NCRFA which is a member of the federation. Pulling out of a national team where one is the team captain is worse than bribery or selling drugs for which one can be banned from playing football for life. A player who is disciplined for bribery is not sent to prison, he is merely deprived of the privilege to play the game. In other words, the focus is on the sporting character, conduct and discipline of a player. The issue is not whether the guilty player's action is illegal under the system of laws prevailing in a country. Hartmann can of course play other sports. Hartmann can also appeal his case all the way to FIFA and Court of Arbitration in Sports. See what will be the ultimate verdict.
ReplyDeleteOh shut up you goody-goody!!
DeleteLet's give Hartmann a chance, maybe he wants to be the antagonist or "bad boy" of Philippine Football. Parang Dennis Rodman or Ron Artest ng Philippine Football.Hehehe What a prick.
ReplyDeleteHe he he. Can't accept the truth.
ReplyDelete