Araneta seeks Fifa post

Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta is eyeing a spot in the powerful International Football Federation (Fifa) Council when the Asian Football Confederation holds its Congress on May 8 in Bahrain.

Araneta, who was elected to the 11-man AFC Executive Committee two years ago,  told the Inquirer on Friday that he will be running against an incumbent and two other officials from more established football countries.

Sheikh Ahmad Al Sa-bah of Kuwait is hoping to retain his membership in the Fifa council, while Chinese Football Association first vice president Zhang Jian and Korea Football Association president Chung Mong-gyu are also running for the position, according to a statement released by the AFC.

“Its a big challenge, but I am looking forward to the opportunity of having a voice in developing football all over the world,” Araneta said.

The world football governing body allots four seats for Asia in the council with one slot to be filled by a female official.