By NIKOLE JAVIER
The Philippines has been selected as among the stops of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour in 2023 to drum up support for the Nationals for next year’s event in New Zealand.
In addition to the draw last weekend, FIFA has also notified the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) about its decision to include the country in the tour as a first time participant of the prestigious event held every four years.
“We have received notice that the Philippines is part of the trophy tour of the FIFA World Cup 2023. This is the first time that we are announcing this. Because we still have to have a formal meeting and all the work,” said PFF general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes during the PSA Forum online session.
Aside from the international friendlies and pocket tournaments ahead to prepare, the Filipinas will also set out for a training camp back in the country as well as in Australia to “acclimatize” themselves in New Zealand for the actual matches that saw them grouped with the host, Switzerland and Norway.
“It’s a different thing when you’re playing in the home crowd of New Zealand against them. So, we need to prepare for that. [But] we’re happy with the draw. We just need to move forward from this. Kung ano ang dapat ipe-prepare pa natin,” said PFF president Nonong Araneta.
“We might be hoping to play more with some European teams because Switzerland and Norway are in our group.”
Despite being the lowest-ranked team in Group A at No. 53 in the world, the PFF vowed to vigorously promote football in the Philippines in its bid to gain global recognition.
