RUNNING’s loss is Philippine football’s huge gain.
Smart sports marketing and special projects head Patrick Gregorio said Smart may not be able to offer the same financial support to running this year as they had last year because the company will increase its funding for Philippine football.
The increase? P80 million.
“This is the commitment of Smart for Philippine football. Our chairman, Manuel V. Pangilinan, is really excited to support the sport,” Gregorio told Sun.Star Cebu after his presentation of the Smart football program during the Philippine Football Federation Board of Governors Meeting at Sarrosa Hotel yesterday.
The P80-million, 10-year program is geared toward two fronts—support for the national men’s team and the establishment of a Filipino Premier League.
Smart, which is also actively involved in the PBA, Asia’s first professional basketball league, wants to establish a league for locals and has identified four companies who are willing to sponsor teams—Smart, Meralco, Maynilad, Cignal TV-TV5.
Gregorio said whatever those companies will spend for their team is not included in the P80-million package.
“That’s just the minimum, so it can even go higher,” said Gregorio.
After returning from the group phase of the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup last December, Pangilinan was the first to offer his support and gave P1 million for the team.
“That was just testing the waters,” Gregorio said. “Pag pumasok ang Smart, we really give our commitment.”
One of the teams could even be based in Cebu.
“We are looking at the possibility of a Smart football team in Cebu for the premier league,” said James Albert S. Bernas, the Wireless Community Solutions Department Head.
The PFF, led by its president Mariano Araneta, and Pangilinan, are expected to announce the deal once everything is finalized in the next few days.
“We just hope that the PFF can fast-track the development of a football pitch,” said Gregorio
Sun Star Cebu
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This is great!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! GOOD NEWS!!!
ReplyDeleteActually, there WAS a Filipino Premier League a few years ago but it was stopped probably because it did not gain a following. But now with the 80+ Million pledge and the following that the Azkals have gained for football, it might just succeed!
ReplyDeleteMVP is now one of the most loved millionaire in the Philippines. Susunod na si Henry Sy kung matuloy yung expansion ng SM Arena to fit a football field, as proposed by Sen. Zubiri.
It is indeed exciting times. Kids in college now will be better motivated. Hopefully, they really plan this out properly to include a minimum salary, injury treatment and insurance and other contract guarantees for the players and coaching staff. The economic impact of such a league will not only push us ahead at least 20 years in football development but will create a new wave of jobs and profit for the private sector. I hope the PFF is thinking in these terms.
ReplyDeleteI hope MVP and PFF will not follow the business model of PBA. They should follow the European football league model. Companies are not represented but football clubs from towns, cities, regions, etc. to have a sense of ownership and belonging. Do not expect people from football hotbeds in the country to identify themselves with Manila-based Smart FC, Meralco FC, Maynilad FC, etc.
ReplyDelete