Azkals to get $300,000 Fifa aid next year

The Philippine Football Federation is set to receive a $300,000 aid from the International Football Federation (Fifa) for its World Cup Qualifying campaign next year.

The amount will be allocated to the Philippine Azkals’ preparation as well as expenses incurred during the actual competition which will start on the first week of June next year.

The Azkals will play at least eight matches in the qualifiers, half of them to be staged at home.

PFF president Mariano Araneta said it will ease the financial burden on the federation as well as the team’s chief backer, Dan Palami.

“It’s definitely a big help for us and the team,” said Araneta. “We have to prepare hard for the World Cup Qualifying.”

Araneta is set to discuss with Palami and coach Thomas Dooley the plans for next year’s campaign. Also expected to be discussed is Dooley’s contract which expires in February.

Both Araneta and Palami have expressed willingness to extend Dooley’s current deal after the German-American coach implemented a more possession-based style of play.