PASIG City and Victorias City will host the matches of the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup 2025 from November 21 to December 7 following the approval of the venues by the international federation.
Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president John Gutierrez said the Philsports Arena and a stadium in Victorias City have been approved by FIFA after an inspection.
READ Pinay5 rally around Vic Hermans ahead of Women's Futsal World Cup
“I’m happy to announce that last month, the FIFA competitions department was in the country to inspect another venue for us, and it was subsequently approved,” said Gutierrez.
“So our match venues will be the Philsports Arena and the stadium in Victorias. So that was already official, approved by the local government of Victorias particularly Mayor Javi Benitez,” said Gutierrez.
The Philsports Arena recently hosted the AFF Women's Futsal Championship.
Victorias City has a coliseum which previously hosted out-of-town PBA games, and other major events in the region.
“[Benitez] was very bullish in trying to secure it. Some of the matches, group matches will be held in Victorias,” said Gutierrez.
Gutierrez said Iloilo City is still being eyed as another venue.
“Iloilo could still be an option. However, all the match venues will have to be approved by FIFA. Right now, only Philsports Arena and Victorias have been approved,” said Gutierrez.
Gutierrez said the PFF is now starting the preparations for the country’s hosting of the inaugural edition of the World Cup.
“The preparation for the national team is on track, and also with the preparation of infrastructure and logistics,” said Gutierrez.
The Philippine team flew to Tashkent for the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup 2025 qualifiers from January 11 to 19.
Controversy, however, surrounded the squad after the PFF decided to remove Vic Hermans from the women’s team and replace him with Spanish coach Rafa Merino Rodriguez.
READ PFF keeps mum on PH team shake-up
Despite the change, the previous team known as the Pinay5 continued with their training under the auspices of Danny Moran of the Henry V. Moran Foundation.
Gutierrez declined to discuss the issue during Monday’s send-off for the team, even blatantly telling mediamen to “please behave” during the event. He promised to answer questions regarding the matter after the Tashkent competition.
“I’d like to be very clear. Let’s make sure that we keep our eyes on the ball. For those of you in the media who are itching for a story, I promise you. I promise everyone. When the girls come back from Uzbekistan, I will personally give each and every one of you a sitdown, one-on-one, and will answer any questions you might have with regards to anything,” Gutierrez told mediamen.
“In other words, please behave,” he added.
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