By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negros Occidental’s Victorias City and Pasig City gained the approval to serve as hosts for the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025 scheduled from November 21 to December 7.

Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president John Gutierrez said the 8,000-seater Victorias City Coliseum and the PhilSports Arena were the approved venues by FIFA after an inspection.

“I’m happy to announce that last month, the FIFA competitions department was in the country to inspect another venue for us, and it was subsequently approved,” Gutierrez said.

“So that was already official, approved by the local government of Victorias, particularly Mayor Javi Benitez,” he said.

“Some of the group matches will be held in Victorias,” he added.

Gutierrez also said that the University of San Agustin Gymnasium in Iloilo City is still being eyed as another venue.

“Iloilo could still be an option. However, all the match venues will have to be approved by FIFA. Right now, only PhilSports Arena and Victorias have been approved,” said Gutierrez.

Gutierrez said the PFF is now starting preparations for the country’s hosting of the inaugural edition of the World Cup.

“The preparation for the national team is on track, and also with the preparation of infrastructure and logistics,” he said./ASC, WDJ