ABS-CBN GETS AZKALS GAMES FOR NEXT FOUR YEARS
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 16 Jan 2012
Philippine Football Federation president Mariano ?Nonong? Araneta says the PFF has approved an agreement with ABS-CBN that will allow the giant broadcast network to telecast most of the Philippine Azkals games over the next four years.
Araneta disclosed that the PFF board ?had already approved the agreement and we have only to finalize the contract which would give ABS-CBN the right to cover all the Azkal games plus other football activities.
Araneta clarified that AKTV IBC 13 of the ABC 5 Group had the exclusive television rights for the Asian Football Federation Suzuki Cup but ABS-CBN will have coverage rights for ?the local Under22, Under 23? versions of the Suzuki Cup.
Araneta told the Manila Standard that ABS-CBN ?is giving us P75 million worth of airtime which is what we have to discuss because the others are straightforward.?
The PFF president said they were ?more interested in the concept of promoting football as well using the P75 million worth of airtime.?
Araneta said there is growing interest in the upcoming Kia Rio Cup between Azkals United vs the South Korean squad Icheon Citizen at 7:00 p.m. on Januaryv 21 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The match is the brainchild of ABS-CBN vice president for Sports Peter Musngi and Dragon Promotions CEO Cindy Lee and its founder and world class pool player Charlie Williams and is made possible by the cooperationof the PFF and the sponsorship of Kia Motors.
The Head Coach of the Korea National Under 20 men?s team who is also Head Coach of the Korea National women?s team Young Ki Lee is one of the key figures in organizing the event. He is regarded as a long respected figure in Korean football.
Lee noted that the Philippines and South Korea have not played for a very long time. Filipinos and Koreans should feel the patriotism in their hearts during the game. That?s another reason why npeople are looking forward to this game. But th goodwill and charity is also in all our minds and the combination of these factors is why I believe this event will bring our two countries further together. It could be the start of a nrw improved relationship between the Philippines, Korea and the Koreans living here.?
Dragon Promotions which has been a leading promoter of pool in the world and has staged several major international tournaments in Manila is venturing into football because of the charitable nature of the event with proceeds going to help the victims of typhoon ?Sendong? through the Sagip Kapamilya ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.
Araneta told the Manila Standard that the Azkals United will not field several of the Europe-based players because of their club commitments but will be anchored by exciting regulars Phil and James Younghusband, Chieffy Calidong, Ian Araneta and Anton del Rosario among others.
Araneta noted that several talented Koreans are playing in the United Football League and that the ?Stallions? team that whipped Philippine Navy 6-0 the other day had seven Korean booters in the squad.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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