SEAG football in three venues

The Southeast Games football competitions will see an unprecedented 19 teams across two divisions with matches slated in three venues—Rizal Memorial Stadium, University of Makati Stadium and Biñan Football Stadium.

Philippine Football Federation general secretary Ed Gastanes, who has been appointed competitions manager, said a full slate of 11 teams will vie in the men’s tournament, while the women’s competition will see a record eight countries disputing the crown.

While the SEA Games men’s event will be an Under-22 tournament, two overage players will be allowed each team.

Former Azkals skipper Phil Younghusband has expressed his desire to reinforce the team, but the country’s top international scorer has been without a club since December last year and only saw limited minutes in the Asian Cup. —CEDELF P. TUPAS