Stephan Schrock in final roster; PFF begins harassment probe

MANILA, Philippines—Stephan Schrock, the dynamic Filipino-German midfielder, has been included in the final 23-man lineup for the Philippines in the AFC Challenge Cup starting Friday in Katmandu, Nepal.

Schrock’s inclusion raised hopes he would see action against North Korea, Tajikistan and India, although Azkals manager Dan Palami, who left for Katmandu Tuesday, said his availability will be known at the last minute.

The Azkals, who reached the main tournament after finishing second in the group qualifying in Myanmar last year, open their campaign against defending champion North Korea tomorrow.

If Schrock, who scored a spectacular long range goal in the 1-3 loss to Kuwait in the World Cup Qualifying, makes it, the Azkals could have one of their most formidable midfield combinations for their toughest tournament yet.

He would be paired with Fil-Dutch midfielder Paul Mulders, a campaigner in the Dutch first division, who has already linked up with the team in Nepal.

Meanwhile, the PFF Disciplinary Committee has began its investigation on the sexual harassment complaint filed by AFC match commissioner Cristy Ramos against national players Lexton Moy and Angel Guirado.

PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said the committee has already sent communications to the two players to explain their side on the incident that happened before the friendly against Malaysia last Wednesday.

But the PFF head expressed disappointment that some quarters had already made conclusions about the incident without even hearing the other side of the story.

“It’s unfortunate,” said Araneta. “There is a process and we must submit to the process. There are things being done to sway opinion but the issue can be dealt with in a professional manner.”