Araneta questions FIFA ruling

A ruling from FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) ordering the staging of a Philippine Football Federation (PFF) National Congress in 90 days to settle a dispute of leadership has caused a state of confusion among 26 of 33 provincial associations that only a week ago, voted to oust Jose Mari Martinez and install Mariano Araneta Jr. as president.

In the recent National Congress, Martinez was booted out of office and Araneta voted on an interim basis to serve the deposed president’s last year until the regular polls are held.

But Martinez raised a technicality to stave off his impeachment, insisting the vote for his removal was illegal as it was not duly endorsed by the PFF Board of Governors. A Board meeting was held a few hours before the Congress to endorse the motion for removal but Martinez said it was illegally called. Martinez refused to attend the Board meeting, pointing out that secretary-general Chito Manuel had failed to give due notice per the PFF Constitution and By-Laws.

Araneta, however, said the Board meeting was a continuation of a previous session and did not require a new notice. 

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FIFA deputy secretary-general Markis Kattner, writing from the organization’s Zurich headquarters, assured Martinez he would continue to be recognized as PFF president.

In a letter addressed to Martinez, Kattner said “it is not clear whether the proposal of removing you has been put properly on the agenda of the Congress and we therefore cannot acknowledge at this stage the change of presidency.” Kattner said a Congress should be convened within 90 days from the date of his letter (Dec. 3) “in order to ask PFF members if they are in favor of your (Martinez’) removal or not – should they decide in favor of your removal and according to PFF statutes, the Congress should then elect an interim president until the next ordinary elective Congress.” Kattner said FIFA will send observers to the Congress.

A copy of Kattner’s letter to Martinez was furnished Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed Bin Hamman of Qatar. FIFA assistant to the technical director Letizia Giordano transmitted the letter to Martinez.

Araneta said Kattner was advised by Manuel of the developments in the recent Congress and wondered why FIFA wrote directly to Martinez instead of to the secretary-general.

“I find it strange that the letter was sent directly to Mari when protocol dictates the letter should be sent to Chito,” said Araneta. “The fact that Mr. Hammam was furnished a copy is an indication that Mari has reached out to his allies. In response, we are sending FIFA minutes of the Board meeting and Congress to prove what transpired was legal and in accordance with the PFF Constitution and By-Laws. There is no need to reconvene a Congress. The record shows that 26 of our provincial associations voted to remove Mari. I’m sure once FIFA reviews the papers, they will confirm the legality of the vote taken in the Congress.” Araneta said Martinez’ position citing a technicality has no basis. “His position does not stand on solid ground,” he continued. “Mari, in fact, has already vacated his office in the PFF building. The Philippine Olympic Committee has recognized the vote. POC chairman Monico Puentevella attended the Congress. There is no question the Congress was legal. It wasn’t even an extraordinary Congress, meaning it was held on schedule. Mari was removed legally in accordance with the PFF By-Laws and we will abide by the decision reached in the Congress.”

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Araneta said he will fight for what is right and just. “Under Philippine law, I am now the PFF president, duly elected in the Congress to serve the last year of Mari’s term,” he said. “Mari is questioning the legality of calling the Board meeting before the Congress but the secretary-general will confirm that it was only a continuation of a previous Board meeting. Once FIFA is briefed that we did everything legally, I’m sure there should be no problem affirming Mari’s removal.”

Araneta said he realizes the importance of maintaining a close working relationship with FIFA, AFC and the AFF (Asian Football Federation) all of which financially support the PFF.

“We did what we had to do to save Philippine football,” said Araneta. “We need a change of leadership. No hidden agenda. No excesses. No anomalies. No questionable financial deals without Board authority. There are people who are accountable for missing PFF funds. We will go to court if necessary to make these people return what rightfully belongs to the PFF.”

 Manuel sent a letter to FIFA secretary-general Jerome Valcke the other day explaining that Martinez’ removal and Araneta’s election were legal. 

 “The removal for cause was made upon the recommendation of the majority of the Board of Governors and upon the approval of more than 2/3 of the PFF Congress,” said Manuel. “To be sure, no one voted against his (Martinez’) removal from office.”