Top FIFA, Asian football officials due today

FIFA (International Football Federation) president Joseph Blatter arrives tonight to grace the inauguration of the Philippine Football Federation’s new office building, built at a cost of $400,000 through FIFA’s Goal Project.

Joining Blatter is Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed bin Hammam with the two officials to pay a courtesy call on President Arroyo along with top government and sports officials.

The welcome party includes PFF president Jose Mari Martinez, PFF chairman Johnny Romualdez, Bacolod Rep. and POC second vice president Monico Puentevella, PSC chairman William Ramirez and Brig. Gen. Oscar Rabena, Philippine Air Force Inspector General.

Puentevella and Ramirez arranged the special meeting with Blatter and Mrs. Arroyo, which is scheduled at 9 p.m.

“For Mr. Blatter and Mr. Hammam to return to our country just within a few months after their first visit is unprecedented for a developing football nation like ours,” Martinez said.

The modern four-storey office building is located on prime property in Pasig City, just a few blocks away from the PSC’s Philsports Complex.