PFF reaps P105M in 2011, expects P5M from LA Galaxy friendly

Foreign subsidies, corporate sponsorships, and local fundraisers boosted Philippine Football Federation (PFF) finances by P105 million in 2011, officials of the local governing body of football reported on Saturday in the annual PFF Congress.

However, PFF treasurer Bonnie Ladrido said the PFF incurred expenses totaling about P104 million—the major chunks of which were P67 million for the country’s participation in international competitions and P19.32 million spent on local competitions.

PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said it was the first time in the federation’s history for its funds to exceed P100 million. The PFF also disclosed that it has chosen the accounting firm SGV & Co. to serve as external auditor.

Since November last year, the PFF raised P25.7 million from corporate sponsors and P21.8 million from ticket sales and merchandising items.

“We’ve only really scratched the surface of the potential corporate support,” Ladrido said. He recommended upgrades in the PFF’s corporate sponsor and merchandising programs.


He also proposed the setting up of a pension benefit plan for those who serve the national team and more enhancements in accountability measures to further assure sponsors that their contributions are spent well.

Provincial football associations were encouraged to submit proposals for funding support while it was also recommended that the chapters’ professionalization be boosted by courses on finance, marketing and sponsorships.

Support from overseas

Araneta added that more foreign support for football in the Philippines is on the way, including $500,000 for the artificial pitch to be installed at the ULTRA football field and another $500,000 for a training center in Bukidnon.

From the Asian Football Confederation will come $200,000 which will be for technical training and from the FIFA is the annual subsidy of $250,000.

Araneta also said the Jordan-funded Asian Football Development Program will be launched in January or February here in the Philippines and the country will be its first beneficiary.

PFF officials also expect the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the German Football Association and the PFF to be forged. The MOU will mostly cover technical assistance to augment grassroots football funding coming from the Japan Football Association.

Araneta also revealed that the PFF will host the AFC Council meeting next February. The PFF will also invite some European teams to come over for friendly matches with the Philippines’ national teams.

Ladrido said expenses amounting to about P4 million may be incurred to conduct the exhibition match between the 2011 Major League Soccer champions, LA Galaxy and the Azkals.

Araneta assured the representatives of the provincial football associations that audited financial statements will be presented at the special PFF Congress to be held in June next year. Main agenda of that meeting are amendments to the PFF constitution and by-laws.

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