PFF, ABS-CBN seal TV pact

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Football Federation and ABS-CBN Thursday agreed to a four-year contract worth at least P300 million for the right to air matches of the national team for the next four years.

PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta told the Inquirer that the deal includes P75 million worth of airtime annually for Azkals matches and other football activities.

The PFF will also stand to recieve P1.2 million for every Azkals match in the first year of the deal.

The amount will increase by P100,000 annualy until the final year of the contract, said Araneta, who was signatory in the deal along with Azkals manager Dan Palami.

Signing the deal for ABS-CBN were its chair and CEO Gabby Lopez and ABS-CBN Sports head honcho Peter Musngi.

Under the deal, ABS-CBN is also required to give P30,000 worth of equipment as assistance to the 33 provincial football associations.

Araneta said ABS-CBN immediately gave P10 million downpayment upon the signing of the contract Thursday in Quezon City.

Meanwhile, FIFA Vice President Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan is arriving in Manila Friday for the launch of the Asian Football Development Project (AFDP) in Calamba, Laguna.

Based in Amman, Jordan, the AFDP will help the PFF in relaunching the Kasibulan Football Grassroots Development Program by providing equipment to support activities.

“It is crucial to focus on youth football development across Asia given that we host a large youth population in the continent,” said Prince Ali in a statement.

“I hope our partnership with the PFF will develop further in the future through the Asian Football Development Project,” added Prince Ali, who is also president of the West Asian Football Federation.