FIFA chief Sepp Blatter to visit RP Dec 7

FIFA president Sepp Blatter visit Manila on December 7 to celebrate a century of football in the Philippines, with all soccer stakeholders uniting to get the sport moving forward again. This was the vow Tuesday of newly-elected Philippine Football Federation president Jose Mari Martinez, who will be the host to the International Football Federation president barely two weeks since assuming the post. "I am all for unification and transparency," Martinez said at the Philippine Sports Association Forum at the Shakey's UN Avenue branch in Manila. Also at the forum was Cathy Rivilla, overall chairperson of the Philippine soccer centennial celebrations. Martinez, who narrowly beat rival Ed Formoso, 15-14, for the PFF's top post last November 24, said he was optimistic he could unite all of the association's members in time for Blatter's visit. A former national team standout who once saw action in the 1972 World Cup eliminations, the 55-year-old Martinez said he will have a one-on-one talk with Blatter during his hectic 24-hour visit. "I hope to discuss with Mr. Blatter ways that FIFA can help us regain the glory we used to enjoy in football a long time ago," Martinez said. Rivilla said the significance of Blatter's visit was immeasurable and just could be the thing that could jumpstart the sport in the Philippines. A highlight of Blatter's trip will be a gala dinner honoring the groups and individuals who have had made huge contributions to promoting soccer, the world's most popular game. Rivilla said that among those to be cited are the late Paulino Alcantara, an Ilonggo who emerged as one of the dreaded strikers of FC Barcelona in the early 1900s and has a remarkable string of 357 goals in 357 games spanning nearly two decades with the storied squad. Also to be feted are the pioneer clubs such Nomads, Cheng Hua Tigers and Lions Athletic Club, former PFF president Rene Adad, and ex-PFF secretary general Fernando Alvarez, Rivilla added. Rivilla said that on December 8, Blatter will get to see an exhibition match featuring the street kids of the Tuluyan ng Don Bosco Foundation. Going back to his plans, Martinez, who organizes the Milo football tournaments and clinics, said he would vigorously push for grassroots development and review the PFF's present programs and activities. "We will retain what is good and change what is not," Martinez said. Martinez decided to retain Pablito Araneta as PFF general secretary. He added that he intends to hire former national coach Juan Cutillas as PFF technical director. The PSA Forum is sponsored by the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) and Shakey's. - GMANews.TV