Araneta off for crucial Fifa congress
MANILA—Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta left for Zurich yesterday to attend the International Football Federation Congress and seek help for the grassroots development program of the sport in the country.
Araneta, who flew to the Swiss city together with secretary general Ramon Manuel, said he has also scheduled a trip to Germany to meet with officials of the German Football Association (DFB) and explore the possibility of a partnership to boost the PFF’s search for more talents nationwide.
The Japan Football Association had earlier offered to help the PFF, including an aid of $20,000, but Araneta said he’s not expecting much with the disaster-hit country still rebuilding from the earthquake early this year.
“Japan has been helpful to us but we also don’t want to bother them because they are also rebuilding their country,” said Araneta.
Araneta said Saturday that he has yet to decide on his choice as Fifa president, who will be elected during the congress.
