FIFA chief here for official visit

MANILA, Philippines — Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) president Gianni Infantino was to arrive in the country yesterday for an official visit as part of FIFA’s program to strengthen relationship with its member associations.

This will be Infantino’s first visit to the Philippines as FIFA president. He was first elected as FIFA president in 2016 for the term 2016-2019, and was re-elected in June 2019 for the term 2019-2023.

As part of his official visit, Infantino meets with Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president (and FIFA Council Member) Mariano Araneta Jr., the PFF Board of Governors, and PFF secretary general Atty. Edwin Gastanes.

PFF will report on the various projects funded by FIFA through the FIFA Forward Program such as the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite, the Philippine Football League, the PFF Women’s League, the PFF U15 Boys National Championship, and other projects.

Infantino is also expected to meet with top government and sports officials to discuss how football can further foster in the country through the various football programs implemented by FIFA.