WITH the successful staging of the home match by the Philippines in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup in Bacolod in February against Mongolia, it is possible that the suddenly football-mad country may yet get an opportunity to host an even bigger tournament.

In a fax letter to Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Mariano Araneta on February 23, Ian Mathie, vice president of World Sports Group, the organization behind the Asean Football Federation Championship, said: “We are very much in favor of the Philippines hosting the 2012 or 2014 versions of the Suzuki Cup should you qualify or be selected.”

“Hosting will not only be an honor but it will show the world that we have arrived as a [footballing] nation. With solid crowd support, who knows what our national team can achieve?” said Araneta.

But Mathie, in the same letter, mentioned that there are strict criteria that should be followed for any potential host country.

“Not only is [the Suzuki Cup] it Southeast Asia’s premier football event, it is also the standard-bearer for all sporting events in the region,” said Mathie.

Mathie added: “We are willing to assist the PFF in identifying a suitable stadium that will undoubtedly require upgrades and renovations to meet the aforementioned criteria.”

The PFF is currently looking at utilizing a property in Tambo, Parañaque, donated by El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde, as a new training facility and possibly the site of a world-class football stadium.

The 4.5-hectare area will be leased for 25 years to the PFF.

“It is a very generous offer considering it is rent-free,” said Araneta. “Things are really looking up for Philippine football.”