Azkals deny ‘rape’ allegations

MANILA—The manager of the Philippine football team yesterday shrugged off allegations that four members of the squad are involved in a “rape” case even as the Azkals stepped up their preparations for their second round World Cup qualifying clash against Kuwait.

“These are serious allegations that are being plastered on the internet,” said team manager Dan Palami. “If these were true, this will not be tolerated.

The players – Neil Etheridge, Anton del Rosario, Jason Sabio and Simon Greatwich – have been accused of raping a woman in Manila more than a month ago by a certain Paul Weiler, a German, who described himself as a consultant of the Philippine Football Federation.

Details of the incident have remained sketchy and no case has been filed against the players.

Palami admitted that the controversy is getting in the way of the preparations of the team, which advanced to the second round of the World Cup qualifying for the first time after winning over Sri Lanka last week.

“Of course, its affecting the preparations because many of the players are bothered by this,” said Palami. “But after talking to most of the players, they’re as surprised as well.”

Rumors on the alleged incident have been circulating in the internet but Palami said
“many of the information on the internet are unverified to i cant rely on it.”