Bin Hammam rues role in PFF dispute

MANILA, Philippines –  Asian Football Confederation president Mohammad Bin Hammam has vowed to do his best for Philippine football and wished that he could meet and sit down with President Aquino the next time he visits the country.

Bin Hammam, who was unopposed in his bid for a new term as AFC chief, said he regrets having played a part in the recent leadership dispute within the Philippine Football Federation.

The wealthy football official from Qatar had openly supported Jose Mari Martinez even if the latter had already been ousted by 26 of the 33 local football associations in the Philippines.

But Bin Hammam the other day said he’s following the lead of the world governing body in the sport, FIFA, in recognizing Mariano “Nonong” Araneta as the new and rightful PFF head.

Bin Hammam apologized to Araneta and Philippine Olympic Committee chairman Monico Puentevella twice the other day during the dinner reception for the 24th Asian Congress in Doha.

He said it’s time for the Philippines to move forward, and ride the momentum of the recent success of its national team.

In a gesture of sportsmanship, Martinez has given up the challenge and has also recognized Araneta as his successor.

Bin Hammam even recalled his first visit to the Philippines almost 20 years ago, adding that among the early friends he had in Manila was Puentevella, then a FIFA and AFC committee member.

Puentevella thanked FIFA president Joseph Blatter in a one-on-one encounter in Doha the other day. The FIFA head said he also plans to make another visit to the Philippines soon.

Araneta said he’s looking forward to the Challenge Cup tie between the Philippines and Mongolia next month in Bacolod, and said two television stations are now knocking on the PFF doors regarding the telecast.