PHILS VS. SRI LANKA Football match at Rizal Memorial Stadium
By Eddie Alinea
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 15 Apr 2011
An offer of assistance from San Miguel Corp. helped the Philippine Sports Commission to agree that the coming match between the Philippine Azkals and Sri-Lanka in the Asian Football Confederation be held at the historic Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Sports commissioner Chito Loyzaga, wouldn?t divulge what kind of assistance the giant food and beverage conglomerate has offered, except to say that it Philippine Football Federation through its president, Nonong Araneta, who advised the PSC of the forthcoming SMC assistance.
?The PFF, in fact, has requested us that its representatives and those of SMC be given permission to make an ocular inspection of the Rizal Stadium, which we granted,? Loyzaga said in Friday?s SCOOP Sa Kamayan weekly session at the Kamayan Restaurant.
?Since they are asking that they be allowed to inspect the venue, I surmised that SMC is willing to shoulder the expenses in making the stadium met the standard set by FIFA (International Football Federation), ? Loyzaga said.
?For us in the PSC, we welcome that kasi kung magagwang international standard ang stadium, maganda, di ba? ?That really is our target, to improve the standard of the stadium. Kung mangyayari yun, hindi lang football, maging iba pang bit sporting events puwede nating i-host,? he reasoned out.
Bacolod City was also bidding to stage the game at the Panaad Stadium and PSC chair Richie Garcia, a Bacolodnon, quoting finding by the Department of Public Works and Highways, even declared the Rizal Stadium, which was built in 1934 and has survived the test of times, condemned.
Loyzaga also told his SCOOP audience that the field itself is ready and that what would be needed is to install individual seats in the covered area of the stadium.
?The scoreboard should also be repaired in accordance to the standard set by FIFA,? he said. ?And I think SMC would be amenable to install those that are needed,? Loyzaga, himself a former SMC executive before accepting the PSC commissionership, said.
A meeting with SMC representative Noli Eala and himself is set Monday next week to determine that role the corporation will play.
Loyzaga allayed fears that renovation of the stadium will have an adverse effect the memorandum of agreement signed between the previous PSC administration and La Salle in regards to the use of the venue where La Salle spent some P8 million to transform the 1934 built track-football stadium to a first class football venue.
?Na-settle na yung issue na yun. We have given La Salle access to the stadium at specific hours of specific days, so wala na akong nakikitang problema dun,? he said. ?Besides, plans are to also renovate the ULTRA football field for the use of La Salle,? he said.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Eddie Alinea.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: The Biggest “Crossroads” Fight Ever!
By Ralph Rimpell, Wed, 17 Dec 2025Donaire ready for Tsutsumi
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 16 Dec 2025INDIGO FIGHT NIGHT: WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED AS CONNOR MITCHELL GETS READY FOR HIS PRO DEBUT
Tue, 16 Dec 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION DECEMBER 15 DECEMBER 2025: Gassiev KO Pulev in 6; Mikaeljan Beats Jack for WBC Cruiser Title; Pacheco Outpoints Sadjo
By Eric Armit, Tue, 16 Dec 2025Sumalinog, Castanol rule Senior, PWD fun run
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 16 Dec 2025Vargas urges boxers to defy odds
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 16 Dec 2025GIORGIO VISIOLI SETS OUT MISSION TO LAND MAJOR TITLES AFTER TENSE FIRST FACE-OFF WITH ENGLISH TITLE RIVAL JOE HOWARTH
Tue, 16 Dec 2025Kevin Brown and Yoenis Tellez Shine at Boxlab Promotions’ “Night of Champions XIII” During the 104th Annual WBA Convention
Tue, 16 Dec 2025TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Justin Cardona Shares Insights Ahead of December 19 Showdown Against Avious Griffin
Tue, 16 Dec 2025JAS MATHUR JOINS MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS AS CEO TO LEAD STRATEGIC VISION, CREATIVITY AND GLOBAL GROWTH INITIATIVES
Tue, 16 Dec 2025Split-T Management Signs Amateur Standout Adrian Salazar
Tue, 16 Dec 2025INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME REMEMBERS CANASTOTA’S MANAGER / TRAINER / PROMOTER TONY GRAZIANO
Mon, 15 Dec 2025Catubig, Prado win Suy Foods Santa Run
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 15 Dec 2025Junior, Youth and Elite Divisions Awarded on Final Day of 2025 USA Boxing National Championships
Mon, 15 Dec 2025Jean Henri Lhuillier Applauds Cebuana Lhuillier Ambassadors for Bronze Finish at SEA Games 2025
Mon, 15 Dec 2025