Phl baseball, futsal SEAG stint imperiled

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine contingent to the coming SEA Games may face fines and penalties if its baseball and futsal teams, which begged for inclusion in the official lineup, fail to make it to Indonesia.

Deputy chef-de-mission Romeo Magat yesterday waited way past office hours for representatives of the two teams to come up with the money to cover for their expenses for the Games set Nov. 11-22.

Baseball, with 22 players and a handful coaches, and futsal, with 24 players in the men’s and women’s side as well as officials, insisted that they be included in the Philippine delegation.

They were given the go-signal based on the agreement that they will look for their own sponsors who will pay for their airfare, hotel accommodation, uniforms and allowances.

The Filipino athletes that will compete in Indonesia under this setup are those from softball with 17 players, bridge (13), sports climbing (11), judo (3), fencing (3), badminton (3), athletics (2), gymnastics (2), golf (2) and cycling (1).

“These sports were given until today to come up with the funds. Otherwise, they may not make it to the Games because we’re past the deadline, and Indonesian officials only gave us an extension,” said Magat.

“We have already booked their seats in the plane that will carry our delegation to Indonesia and if they don’t show up, there will be fines. The POC (Philippine Olympic Committee) will be charged,” said the deputy chef-de-mission of Team Philippines.

“And once the drawing of lots in these sports takes place, and they’re on it, it means they are official entries. And failure to show up, at least in some sports, also lead to penalties,” said Magat.

“Noong nagmakaawa sila (when they begged) for inclusion, we did everything we could. Now we are facing penalties in case they pull out due to lack of funds,” he added.

Secretariat member Clarito Samson said while those from baseball may be having trouble raising the fund, those from futsal could be facing problems with documentation.

“Some of these athletes don’t have valid passports,” he said.

Magat said since they gave futsal the go-signal, he hasn’t seen or heard from any of its officials.

“They all knew that those who can submit their payment on time can get the assurance they can go to Indonesia. And today (yesterday) is the deadline,” he added.