ABS-CBN, TV5 want exclusive rights to Azkals games

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Football Federation is looking to strike a television deal worth at least P80 million for the rights to air matches of the Philippine Azkals next year.

A reliable source yesterday said that television networks ABS-CBN and TV5 have submitted bids to the PFF for the exclusive rights to the Azkals games in 2012.

The source said the PFF’s target amount of P80 million already includes non-monetary benefits like airtime, promotions and mileage with the actual money going to the federation amounting to just about P15 to P20 million.

“The PFF is looking at P80 million, but 80 percent of the amount is non-monetary,” said the source.

ABS-CBN is actually hoping to extend its partnership with the Azkals that started with the AFC Challenge Cup game against Mongolia in February last year.

The same source revealed that the PFF earned at least P8 million from the ABS-CBN deal that was also spent for expenses incurred during the Azkals’ campaigns.

The PFF Board will decide on the television deal on Jan. 13.

The Azkals actually have a busy schedule for 2012 with two major tournaments lined up starting with the AFC Challenge Cup in Kathmandu, Nepal, in March.

Before the Challenge Cup, where the Azkals have been grouped with North Korea, Tajikistan and India, the national team will also face reigning Southeast Asian champion Malaysia in a Fifa-sanctioned friendly on Feb. 29 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The PFF will also use the international friendly dates in June to hold four matches for the team.

Friendly matches in the months of August, September and October are also slated for the Azkals as they toughen up for the Suzuki Cup in December.