FIFA okays Araneta as football head

MANILA, Philippines - After receiving the blessings from FIFA, the world governing body in football, Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta yesterday said it’s time to move on.

 “It’s time to unite and truly revive Philippine football,” he said.

“Aandar na tayo. (We will move on). We will ride the momentum of the success of our national team,” added Araneta, who was glad that the FIFA blessings came on his wedding anniversary.

“This is the best gift I could get on my anniversary,” he said.

Jerome Valcke, FIFA secretary-general, wrote the PFF the other day saying they are now recognizing Araneta as head of Philippine football following the national congress last Nov. 27.

In that PFF gathering, 26 out of 33 football associations around the country voted for the removal of Jose Mari Araneta as PFF president, and installed Araneta as their new leader.

There were four who abstained and three absentees during the gathering.

But the FIFA, just days before the national team left for Jakarta to face the Indonesians in the semis of the AFF Suzuki Cup, said it was still recognizing Martinez as the rightful PFF head.

“The FIFA, then, had not yet been informed properly of all the developments here,” said Dan Palami, the team manager of the Philippine team that reached the Suzuki Cup semis.

“After having consulted the minutes of the congress of the PFF, as well as other enclosures which we now have in our file, we consider that these bring new light to the congress and its results,” Valcke wrote.

Geoff Thompson, FIFA vice president and chairman of the association committee, wrote that last Nov. 27, the PFF board of governors indeed adopted a motion to remove Martinez from office.

“Based on this opinion, we consider that the motion to remove the PFF president Jose Mari Martinez was accepted and that he has been replaced by Mariano “Nonong” Araneta,” said the FIFA letter.

“Araneta will serve as PFF president for the unexpired period of until Nov. 26, 2011. For that same period, Mr. Ismael Batiles Jr. will serve the new PFF vice president.

“In view of this, Mr. Mariano Araneta and Mr. Ismael Batiles Jr. are vested with all the rights and duties in accordance with the PFF statutes. We would like to congratulate both,” the FIFA letter also said.

Martinez was accused of mishandling PFF funds but has maintained that he is clear of any obligation.

“I am not the one to say if charges will be filed against him. It’s the board that will decide on that. But if someone is accountable, then he will be made accountable,” said Araneta.

The Philippine Olympic Committee has thrown its support to Araneta, and POC chairman Monico Puentevella also worked hard for the recognition of the new PFF leadership.

Puentevella flew to Jakarta and managed to convince Asean Football Federation competitions committee chairman Ravy Khek that the Philippines is capable of hosting the Suzuki Cup.

Had the Philippines reached the finals, one of the two finals matches would have been held at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod.