JEFF Cheng has stepped down as team manager of the Philippine national women's football team (PNWFT), citing differences between him and the current leadership of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) with regards to priorities and goals.
Cheng issued a statement on Sunday, saying that the "situation is not workable."
"Last Thursday, I informed PFF director of national teams that I am stepping away from my role as team manager of the women’s teams," said Cheng.
"For several months, we tried our best to make things work under new and very different circumstances. Unfortunately, the situation is not workable," he continued
"Our priorities and goals do not align, and the PNWFT organization that we worked hard to develop in the past years is incompatible with current methods," he added.
Following Cheng's exit, it is still uncertain what the future holds for the PNWFT. Currently, they are coached by Australian Mark Torcaso and have no major tournaments scheduled this year.
The top backer who helped PNWFT reach new heights
Under his leadership, Cheng is widely considered to be responsible for the PNWFT's recent historic run that led to a place in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 - the first time a Philippine team of any gender reached the highest competition in world football.
“I want to thank all of you for the support and kindness that you have shown me. It is through you that our efforts have not gone unnoticed and I am grateful to have shared some of the best football experiences with all of you,” said the winner of SPIN.ph’s Executive of the Year in 2022.
During this golden era of Philippine football, Cheng put a huge investment in the women’s team, including the hiring of Alen Stajcic, who had also guided Australia to a place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015.
Stajcic then steered the Filipinas to a quarterfinals win over Chinese Taipei back in January 2022 in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in India that enabled them to clinch a spot in the World Cup.
Initially signed only until the Asian Cup, Cheng was able to convince Stajcic to stay with the team until the World Cup, where the Philippines not only participated but also scored a win.
The Filipinas defeated no less than co-host New Zealand, 1-0, in the group stage on August 25, 2023 thanks to a goal by Sarina Bolden and superb goalkeeping by Olivia McDaniel.
Stajcic stepped down after the World Cup, as he accepted a head coaching position with the Perth Glory men’s team.
The PFF held an election in November 2023, with John Gutierrez taking over the presidency, replacing Mariano ‘Nonong’ Araneta. Despite the change in leadership, Cheng stayed as PNWFT manager, but lasted just seven months.
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