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Sports officials want expansion, creation of football stadiums


With the interest in football building up, sports leaders are one in saying that it is now time to expand the existing football stadiums or build new ones. “I think we need to expand our present facilities so that we can accommodate 25,000 to 30,000 people. I think it’s time to have stadiums like those," said Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose Cojuangco Jr. Cojuangco’s statement came on the heels of the Philippine Azkals’ win over Mongolia in their AFC Challenge Cup qualifier at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City Wednesday night. Filipinos occupied every nook and cranny of the 20,000-seat stadium and witnessed how the Azkals defeated the Mongolians, 2-0. “The local government led by governor Alfredo Maranon are taking steps to renovate the stadium," said Cojuangco. “We can’t host better teams if we don’t have good facilities because FIFA also inspects the venues," added Cojuangco. Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Ricardo Garcia, however, said that the support of the private sector would still be needed for the renovation or creation of stadiums. “With the present budget of the PSC, we don’t have the ability to build or renovate stadiums," said Garcia. Garcia said that the national government can set aside funds for the stadiums, with the PSC supervising the funds. “But we can’t do it if it will come from the PSC funds itself," added Garcia. Garcia also suggested to give naming rights for sponsors to stadiums, a practice that is being done in the United States. Two years ago, the government sports agency entered into a memorandum of agreement with La Salle in renovating the football field at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. Garcia said the target of completion of the football field is next month, as they are still waiting for the grass to grow. “The grass is already installed, but it still needs to mature so that it won’t be destroyed easily," said Garcia, who also noted the importance of a viable football stadium in Manila. “We also need to fill Rizal just like in Bacolod, so we can also support the sport here. Sometimes, people living in Manila take football for granted, so it's time to get them interested in football," added Garcia. - KY, RCJ, GMA News

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