PFF hails UAAP support for FIFA futsal World Cup

The Philippine Football Federation has commended the University Athletic Association of the Philippines for aligning its football calendar with upcoming international competitions, including the first-ever FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup.

“The Philippine Football Federation extends its heartfelt gratitude to the UAAP for once again demonstrating its commitment to Philippine football,” said PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez.

“We commend UAAP Football Competition Commissioner and former FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025 Tournament Director Rely San Agustin for spearheading this much-needed support,” he added.

Gutierrez said the adjustments to Season 88 are more than a scheduling change, calling them “a powerful statement that UAAP stands behind the growth of the sport in our country.”

Following the successful staging of Season 87, UAAP football organizers introduced changes to the men’s and women’s tournaments to complement key international events.

The new schedule allows student-athletes to answer national team call-ups and ensures that the football community can support the Philippines’ hosting of the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup in November and the country’s participation in the Southeast Asian Games football competition in December.

PFF credited San Agustin for balancing collegiate competition with the broader goals of football development, noting his decade of service as commissioner has coincided with significant growth at the grassroots and collegiate levels.

“These adjustments will not only benefit our national team players but will also deepen the connection between collegiate football and the larger football ecosystem in the Philippines,” Gutierrez said.

“UAAP has shown that it is more than a league — it is a partner in nation-building through sport,” he added.

The federation also lauded the continued inclusion of guest schools such as Claret and Southridge, along with the entry of Adamson University to the high school competition, which it said will broaden participation and raise the level of play.

With the collegiate season kicking off in September, the PFF urged fans, alumni, and the wider football community to rally behind both the UAAP tournaments and the historic international events ahead.