PHILIPPINE Sports Commission chairman Pato Gregorio clarified that the Philsports Arena will remain open to other sports such as basketball and volleyball.
But for now, Gregorio said the Pasig venue, which is under the control of the PSC, has been reconfigured for futsal following the Philippines' hosting of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup last year.
“It’s 'default futsal.' But it’s not 'exclusive futsal,'” Gregorio clarified on Thursday, adding that the setup used in the world meet has been kept.
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With Philsports Arena becoming 'default futsal' for the meantime, Gregorio confirmed that the site will not be hosting other events such as the PVL and the PBA, with both leagues being informed about it in advance.
The PBA once moved a December playdate from Philsports Arena to Ninoy Aquino Stadium, and recently held talks with the PSC about holding games at Rizal Memorial Coliseum for the Commissioner’s Cup.
The PVL will not hold any match at the Pasig venue for the coming 2026 All-Filipino Conference.
READ: Why no PVL All-Filipino Cup games will be held at Philsports Arena
There are big plans, however, for the Philsports Arena to become a premier futsal venue, as Gregorio said there are current negotiations between the PSC, Philippine Football Federation, and FIFA to develop the sport through more playing areas.
“Ngayon lang ‘yan… There is ongoing discussions between PSC and PFF to pursue the development of football fields and pitches all over the country and funded by FIFA,” he said.
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