Philippine Women’s Futsal Team in Disarray Ahead of World Cup

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The Henry V. Moran Foundation has been at the forefront of promoting futsal in the Philippines, investing over a decade of effort to bring the sport to marginalized communities and schools across the country.

From launching Liga Eskwela Futsal tournaments to creating inclusive programs for athletes with special needs, the foundation’s initiatives have touched countless lives. It has championed the belief that futsal can be a transformative tool for youth development, fostering discipline, teamwork, and confidence among young Filipinos.

Now, as the Philippines prepares to host the first-ever FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup in November 2025, the historic opportunity is marred by internal strife within the Philippine Football Federation (PFF). Political conflicts, player resignations, and the controversial reassignment of head coach Vic Hermans have cast a shadow over the progress made in Philippine futsal over the past decade.

This article summarizes the key points from the provided sources:

Background:

  • Philippine futsal, particularly the women’s program, has seen steady growth in recent years thanks to grassroots initiatives and the support of organizations like the Henry V. Moran Foundation.
  • Coach Vic Hermans, with three years at the helm, has been credited with building the team and securing the World Cup hosting rights.

The Conflict:

  • In December 2024, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) abruptly reassigned Coach Hermans to the men’s team, citing a need for leadership “aligned with the federation’s objectives.”
  • This decision was met with strong criticism from the Moran Foundation and several players, including team captain Isabella Bandoja, who subsequently resigned.
  • The PFF held tryouts for a new women’s team under a Spanish coach, while the Moran Foundation maintains that Coach Hermans still has a valid contract.

Points of Contention:

  • Lack of Transparency: The PFF hasn’t provided a clear explanation for Coach Hermans’ removal, leading to accusations of a power struggle within the federation.
  • Disruption and Discontinuity: The timing and manner of the coaching change have disrupted preparations for the World Cup qualifiers and demoralized players.
  • Focus on Short-Term Results: Some argue that the PFF prioritizes immediate success over long-term development, potentially undermining the value of Coach Hermans’ work with established players.
  • Integration Concerns: Plans to integrate football players into the futsal team raise concerns about the lack of sport-specific training and potential demotivation of existing players.

The Road Ahead:

  • The Philippines will compete in the AFC World Cup qualifiers in January 2025 with a mix of Coach Hermans’ players and new additions.
  • The Moran Foundation intends to hold open tryouts to strengthen the squad.
  • Uncertainty remains regarding a definitive coach and potential venues for the World Cup.
  • Resolving the conflict and fostering unity are critical for a successful World Cup hosting

Impact:

  • This internal discord within the PFF threatens to overshadow the Philippines’ historic opportunity to host the first-ever Women’s Futsal World Cup.
  • The uncertainty and instability could discourage sponsorships, harm player morale, and ultimately, impact the team’s performance.

Possible Solutions:

  • Open communication and collaboration between the PFF, stakeholders like the Moran Foundation, and the players.
  • Prioritizing long-term futsal development alongside immediate World Cup preparations.
  • Respecting Coach Hermans’ contract and the contributions of existing players.

This situation highlights the potential pitfalls of internal conflicts within sports federations and the importance of clear communication, transparency, and a commitment to athlete development.

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