PFF offers free tickets to Azkals tiff

MANILA, Philippines - Football-crazy fans in Negros will get the chance to watch the Azkals for free.

Mariano “Nonong” Araneta, president of the Philippine Football Federation, yesterday said entrance to the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City for the AFC Challenge Cup will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

“It’s for free, except for 6,000 seats that we will block off for the VIPs and other special guests who will watch the match,” said Araneta.

The Panaad Stadium can house 15,000 fans, meaning the rest of the 9,000 seats will come for free when the Azkals, starring the Fil-foreign players, face the Mongolians in the first of their two matches.

The second match is set March 15 in Mongolia.

Araneta also warned the public against persons using PFF in selling package tours from Manila and other points for the Azkals’ first match before their countrymen.

“We’ve heard of groups trying to sell package tours, including of airfare, hotel bookings and tickets to the match. The tickets are for free,” said Araneta.

The PFF chief said it was one of the conditions laid down by Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Maranon, that they can use the stadium for free as long as the tickets are for free.

“That’s what the governor wants, so we’re letting the people in for free,” said Araneta.