Filipinas standouts could join PH futsal squad

Fifa president Gianni Infantino —SCREENGRAB FROM FIFA

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) hinted that some members of the women’s football team may cross over in the sport’s indoor version for the country’s hosting of the inaugural Fifa Futsal Women’s World Cup slated late next year.

PFF president John Gutierrez didn’t mention any names but said that those with futsal backgrounds have “committed their services” to represent the Philippines for the women’s version of the event which will be held for the first time.

“Some of them have started in futsal and some of them played in the Women’s World Cup last year,” Gutierrez said. “They would be happy if they could play for the futsal team, so it’s gonna be very good.”

Fifa president Gianni Infantino recently announced that the World Cup will be slated Nov. 21 to Dec. 7 in 2025, with 16 countries participating including the Philippines.

Only the Philippines, by virtue of being the host, and New Zealand, through the Oceania Futsal Women’s Nations Cup, have secured qualification for next year’s event.

Dutch futsal coach Vic Hermans has been tasked to oversee the team’s World Cup preparation. The women’s futsal squad last played in October 2023 when it reached the final of the Tri-Nations Series at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

One of the notable names on that squad was Tuloy FC striker Isabella Bandoja, who is now part of the women’s senior team pool. INQ