Sports Eye
The power struggle in football
By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.
“BECAUSE of the lack of passion and possible corruption in the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) and other sports agencies and wrong policies in our sports program, we are not going to be able to host the Philippine leg of the Asian Football Federation Suzuki Cup, depriving Filipino fans their opportunity to cheer our team.”
These were the words of Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri decrying the country’s inability to host a semifinal match against the Indonesian team in a privilege speech delivered last Monday in congress. Result, we lost the semifinal match, 0-1.
Just like what is happening to our national cycling, badminton, equestrian and swimming sectors, the PFF is the latest national sports association that has become fragmented. There are two camps each claiming to be the legitimate leaders of this national sports group. One is the group of Jose Mari Martinez recognized by the world governing body Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the other is the faction of Mariano Araneta recognized by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).
It’s another mess, no different from the cycling feud. I believe it will take years to patch up this latest imbroglio because our sports leaders who are supposed to be the guide our young athletes are playing politics. Shameless — these national sports pseudo-leaders. Instead of sitting down and solving the problem, they would rather maintain the row, obviously for their own interests. It’s about greed for power. Mga swapang talaga sila.
What a shame.
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The annual bikefest that is held in conjunction with the celebration of my birthday, which was supposed to be conducted on December 19, has been postponed due to time and budget constraints. It’s been rescheduled to December 26. Unlike the past three years, the road battle this time will done in a criterium system and exclusively for amateur cyclists 19 years old and below.
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My congrats to Charlene Joy Flores of barangay Poblacion, Mangaldan for being elected as the new Sangguniang Kabataan Federation president of the town, besting Christian Dominic Marayag of Barangay Guiguilonen, 27-3. Charlene, 15, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Ricardo Flores. Also to Ritchie Abalos of Barangay Bantayan for running unopposed and clinched the Association of Barangay Captains Federation presidency of the same town. Ritchie is the son of Mangaldan veem Bernardo “Berex” Abalos.
And likewise to former Bonuan Gueset barangay captain Angelito C. Gumarang for being chosen as the new head coach of Lyceum Northwestern University Dukes, replacing Jason Vinluan.
Mabuhay kayo.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife. And did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus. Matthew 1: 21- 25
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