TWO more officials have stepped down from important posts in the Philippine Football Federation (PFF).
National training director and team manager Freddy Gonzalez has resigned from his role, along with Philippine national men’s football team assistant team manager Mikkel Paris.
The PFF leadership, led by its president John Gutierrez, has accepted their resignations, which came after coaches Albert Capellas and Tom Saintfiet, and long-time football patrons Jeff Cheng (women’s team) and Dan Palami (men’s team) also gave up on their responsibilities.
“This was a very difficult decision to make and one that required much reflection and introspection. Now is the time for me to focus on other pursuits and opportunities, both personal and professional,” said Gonzalez in a statement.
Last December, the PFF terminated its contract with national women’s futsal team coach in Dutch Vic Hermans, who built the squad for the past three years. He was reassigned to the national men’s futsal squad.
Over the past months, a wave of resignations has hit the ranks of the PFF leadership, while the national men’s and women’s squads are in the midst of changes and makeover.
New faces are expected to step up to fill up the gaps, with major tournaments coming, such as the third round of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers awaiting the national men’s side.
For the Filipinas, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers are coming up later this month.
Towards the end of the year, the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand is in the horizon as well.
“The PFF remains fully committed to building upon the foundations laid for Philippine football. We assure the players that we will continue Fred’s framework for the national team, diligently ensuring our programs are well-supported and thriving,” said Gutierrez in accepting the resignations.
For now, Gutierrez and director of football, Vince Santos will make the crucial decisions behind the people who will fill up the posts left behind by Gonzalez and Paris.
