Ilonggo, three other Filipinos named to key FIFA committee positions

Four Filipino sports officials have been appointed to key committees of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), marking a significant milestone for Philippine leadership in global football governance.

The appointments, announced during the 33rd FIFA Council meeting in Zurich on October 2, 2025, include Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President John Anthony Gutierrez, PFF Executive Committee Member Atty. Renee Songalia, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr., and FIFA Council Member Mariano V. Araneta.

Araneta, a native of Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo was named Council Delegate to the FIFA Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee.

“Mr. Araneta’s appointment to the FIFA Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee reflects his enduring commitment to fairness, inclusion, and unity in football,” said President Gutierrez.

“His leadership continues to inspire not only the Philippine football community but also our shared pursuit of equality and respect across the global game,” Gutierrez added.

President Gutierrez himself was appointed to the FIFA Futsal Committee just weeks ahead of the Philippines’ hosting of the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup from November 21 to December 7, 2025.

“I am deeply honored to represent the Philippines in the FIFA Futsal Committee, especially at a time when our nation is hosting the historic first FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup,” said Gutierrez.

“This recognition reflects PFF’s continuing commitment to grow futsal from the grassroots level in Filipino communities and to help elevate the sport’s global profile through our hosting efforts,” he added.

Since taking office in November 2023, Gutierrez has overseen the rollout of major futsal initiatives including the 2024 ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship and nationwide talent programs that led to the Filipina5 qualifying for the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup.

Under his leadership, the PFF secured government support through an Inter-Agency Task Force chaired by the PSC to assist in the country’s hosting of the World Cup.

“Futsal plays a vital role in developing young players’ technical skills and love for the game, especially in communities where space and resources are limited,” Gutierrez said.

PFF Executive Committee Member Atty. Renee Songalia, a Cebu-based lawyer and active football advocate, was named to the FIFA Beach Soccer Committee.

Gutierrez welcomed her appointment, emphasizing that “developing beach football in the Philippines is a natural fit given the country’s abundance of scenic coastlines, providing ideal venues for the sport’s growth.”

“Developing beach football can also help boost sports tourism, attracting both local and international visitors to the nation’s shores,” he added.

Meanwhile, PSC Executive Director and PFF Electoral Committee Chair Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr. was appointed to the Adjudicatory Chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee.

A former national team player, Iroy previously served in the ethics and disciplinary committees of the Asian Football Confederation and ASEAN Football Federation.

The Adjudicatory Chamber reviews investigative reports and determines whether disciplinary proceedings should move forward under FIFA’s Ethics Code.

“These appointments of Sir Nonong, Atty. Songalia, and Atty. Iroy reflect the growing respect for Filipino leadership in world football,” Gutierrez said.

“They strengthen our shared mission to advance integrity, inclusivity, and development across all forms of the game,” he concluded.