FIFA dumps El Shaddai site as PFF dream turf

MANILA, Philippines - Instead of the El Shaddai property in Parañaque, the Philippine Football Federation will instead build its dream home at the Philsports Complex in Pasig.

Mariano Araneta, PFF president, yesterday said all seemed well regarding the PFF plan to build its home pitch in the area being offered by Bro. Mike Velarde of El Shaddai.

It’s a 4.5 hectare property along Sucat Road, and that initial talks between the charismatic El Shaddai leader and local football officials were positive.

Araneta said the funding will come from FIFA’s Goal Project, wherein the Philippines will receive a $500,000 donation from the world’s governing body in football.

But FIFA officials who visited the country two weeks ago were not too receptive to the idea of building the PFF’s home pitch close to the airport.

“The area was not acceptable to them,” said Araneta.

“They found out that it was along the flight path of the NAIA and that it’s too noisy because of all the airplanes coming in and going out of the airport,” he added.

“Ayaw nila. Now, we’re again looking at the Philsports Complex. Besides, it was our original choice,” said Araneta.

The PFF president said building the home pitch at Philsports will incur lesser expenses because of the presence of the stands.

“We already have the stands at Philsports. All we need is the pitch,” he said.