PIFA president Charlie Favis, former PBL commissioner and Shell PBA manager who was the unifying factor of these businessmen’s dream project codenamed as "World Cup Dream." These businessmen have banded together to form the league that will look into ways and means on how to best raise the level of football in the country.
"The group has vowed to pursue its long-time football dream and help rebuild a sport which many believe Filipinos can excel in, primarily because Filipinos have the style, timing and rhythm," said Favis.
"Secondly, Filipinos have the skills and a lot of patience which the sport requires. And they vowed to give their all-out support towards the realization of the "World Cup Dream" project.
"I’m glad to be with this group of football-loving gentlemen, and do my bit for a sport I consider my first love, before the 10 long years I had in the PBA and PBL. Football was one sport I enjoyed playing in college," Favis added.
The world governing body, FIFA, ranks the Philippines as No. 175 in the world. In order to even come close to the World Cup Qualifying Round, the Philippines needs to hurdle the best in Southeast Asia like Malaysia and Singapore (both at No. 91 in world standings), Indonesia (ranked No. 63) and Thailand, which is currently No. 51.
PIFA is set to organize and oversee two big tournaments next year — The SoccerFest 2003 (the elimination phase of the football season) and the Champions Cup 2003 (the final phase).