PFF bidding to host 2014 Challenge Cup

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Football Federation is bidding to host the final round of the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup that will come with a reward of outright qualification for the tournament.

The Challenge Cup, where the Azkals finished third early this year in Kathmandu, Nepal, serves as the qualifier for emerging Asian footballing nations for the 2015 AFC Cup in Australia.

PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said the AFC has changed its rule on the eight-nation tournament and will now give outright seeding to the host country, sparing its national side of going through the tough qualifying round.

Aside from the Philippines, Maldives, India and Tajikistan have all submitted bids to host the biennial tournament.

Araneta is confident the Philippines will get the nod when the AFC decides on the host of the tournament on Nov. 28.

If the Philippines isn’t picked to host the final round, Araneta said the PFF will still bid for one of the group qualifiers slated in 2013.

The Rizal Memorial Stadium, the home of the Azkals if they reach the semifinals of the AFF Suzuki Cup late this year, and the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod are both being eyed as venues for the Challenge Cup.

“Our chances (of winning the hosting) are okay,” said Araneta. “They (AFC) have seen Rizal and Panaad. They’ve seen the hotels in Bacolod and Manila.”

The PFF chief said the renewed interest in the sport in the country as well as the rise of the Azkals in the rankings will help the country in its hosting bid.

“The crowd, the popularity of football and our ranking will be plus factors for us,” Araneta added.