PSC denies rumors rejecting Iraq's request, Filipinas U18 to meet Indonesia and 2 Korean rivals ahead WAC and Filipinas top keeper to play in Brazilian league



By: Gil Moriones

MANILA - The dose of stories happened in the Philippine football that happened within this week. 

PSC denies rumors rejecting Iraq's request to train at RMS

The Philippine Sports Commission released its official statement through X (former Twitter) in response to the rumors of denial the request of the national football team of Iraq to have their scrimmages in the Rizal Memorial Football stadium. 

"The management of Rizal Memorial Football Stadium clarifies that there have been no rejections and there are no problems approaching the day of the match. The contract pertaining for the rental of the venue is ready to be signed by the Philippine Football Federation.", the PSC published in their tweet, Friday night.

The now-deleted tweet by the @iraqfpg dated March 5 substantially provided that the management of the Rizal Stadium rejected the request of the Iraqi national team to play training units at the stadium prior for their away game versus the PMNFT this coming March 26, 2024 for them to adopt since the pitch is an "artificial hill".

"Both Philippine and Iraqi national teams can swiftly build up on their second match once signed.", PSC added.

The PMNFT (former Azkals) will face the Lions of Mesopotamia for the 2nd window of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers to be held first at Bashra International Stadium on March 21 and at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium this Holy Tuesday on March 26.

"Rest assured that the Philippine Sports Commission, which is mandated to manage venues and facilities inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex promotes fair play, as always.", the PSC ended.

Filipinas U18 to meet Indonesia and 2 Korean rivals ahead WAC

The debut of the under 18 women's team of the Philippines will surely a memorial one as they will meet their future rivals in the Asian women's football this coming 2024 AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup.

On the draw happened last Thursday afternoon, the Filipinas U18 will clobber their regional neighbors and the tournament hosts Indonesia and two powerhouse Korea Republic and their counterpart DPR Korea on Group A.

While the Group B will consists of Japan, China PR, Australia, and Thailand.

Top 3 of this tournament that will begin on May 6 will represent the Asia for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup at Dominican Republic on October 2024.

Olivia McDaniel to play in Brazilian pro-league

The Filipinas' top keeper Olivia McDaniel will play in Campeonato Brasileiro de Futebol Feminino Série A1 for Santos FC, the latter club announced through their official website dated March 7, 2024.

“I'm very excited to start this season, with a club that has a lot of history. Santos is a historic team, with a lot of international success and I also heard a lot of good things from Reina, who is my teammate on the Philippines team”, she stated.

Olivia had her first appearance for the Stallion Laguna last PFF Women's League season and now, she will join her national teammate, Reina Bonta for serve for the defensive assignments for the club.

“I'm excited to play for Santos because football is loved here and because of the incredible support we will have from the fans. Football is truly enjoyed to the fullest in Brazil and it will be exciting to have this experience of playing here with Santos. I hope for a great season ahead", she ended.