FIFA offers $1M grant to PFF for Yolanda relief effort

MANILA, Philippines -- The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is providing the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) a special grant to rebuild damaged football infrastructure and facilities in areas affected by super typhoon Yolanda.

In a letter signed by FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke last December 9, 2013, FIFA informed PFF General Secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes that the FIFA Finance Committee has formally approved the provision of the grant during its meeting last December 4 in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil.

The special grant is up to $1 Million USD, depending on the needs. FIFA's Development Officer Domeka Garamendi will supervise the availment.

"We are deeply moved by this generous support of FIFA that shows their solidarity and sympathy with our nation. We are thankful to FIFA officials especially to President Sepp Blatter," said PFF President Mariano Araneta.

Araneta, with Atty. Gastanes and FIFA Marketing and TV Committee Member Monico Puentevella, had an audience with FIFA President Joseph Blatter before the Asian Football Confederation awards night in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last November 26, 2013. Blatter expressed his sympathy to the Filipino nation and the families of the typhoon victims, and promised support for the Philippines.

"This is a big boost not only for football in the region, but also to Philippine football as a whole. We are looking at rehabilitating and constructing football facilities in provinces severely hit by super typhoon Yolanda," said Atty. Gastanes.

The PFF is expected to send FIFA a detailed request for support in the coming weeks, to determine the actual rebuilding efforts to be conducted.