PFF sacks former U-23 Azkals skipper

MANILA, Philippines—Former Philippine Under-23 squad skipper Matthew Hartmann has been suspended indefinitely from all events sanctioned by the Philippine Football Federation for abruptly leaving the PH team in the middle of its campaign in the 27th Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia last year.

At the same time, the PFF disciplinary committee “strongly reprimanded” coach Michael Weiss for “flip-flopping actions” related to the Hartmann case.

In a Jan. 25 letter, the German coach was also asked to propose actions to deal with similar situations in the future.

Hartmann, 22, left the team in Indonesia after the 1-2 loss to Timor Leste. Sources said he had a falling out with Weiss over team rules. The Under-23 Azkals went on to win just one of their last three matches.
Hartmann was also barred from playing for the Loyola Meralco Sparks in the United Football League.