The manager of the national team is batting for status quo and appealing to the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) for the reinstatement of their head coach — Vic Hermans — as they prepare for the country’s hosting of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup next year.

In a letter dated 24 December, Daniel Moran, who also serves as the national squad’s chief benefactor, reached out to PFF president John Gutierrez to ask him to “reconsider” his earlier decision of releasing the prolific Dutch coach from the national women’s squad.

With Hermans out, the national women’s squad was in chaos as four players in team captain Isabella Bandoja, Demelyn Rollon, Lanie Ortillo and Mykaella Abeto expressed their intentions to skip the upcoming international events.

The players said they couldn’t play for a new mentor, especially since it was Hermans who patiently assembled the team from scratch over the past three years.

Aside from the sacking of Hermans, the PFF also asked the players to join a hastily-called training camp from 26 to 30 December, reportedly saying that those who will not make it will be dropped from the national squad.

Moran said the PFF should observe a status quo by retaining the services of Hermans since they are entering the crucial stretch of their preparations for the AFC Women’s Futsal Qualification in Uzbekistan from 11 to 19 January and the World Cup from 14 November to 7 December next year.

“I sincerely urge the PFF to reconsider its decision regarding our national coach, Vic Hermans,” said Moran, who is also the chairman of the The Henry V. Moran Foundation, an organization that sponsors the studies and playing careers of countless football players from the marginalized sector.

“Over the past three years, Coach Vic has played a pivotal role in the development of futsal in the Philippines. His contributions have gone beyond the game, touching the lives of countless young Filipinos.”

Gutierrez has yet to respond to Moran’s plea.

The 71-year-old Hermans is no ordinary futsal coach.

In fact, he led the national teams of Iran, the Netherlands and Thailand to glorious finishes in the international arena. Under Hermans, the Philippines made great strides for the past three years, enough for the International Football Federation to award it the hosting duties for the inaugural staging of the futsal World Cup.

“A global icon in futsal, Vic Hermans’ leadership has brought prestige to our country, particularly with our involvement in the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup,” Moran added.

“His dedication has been nothing short of a blessing.”

Still, the PFF issued him the pink slip.

In a letter to Hermans dated 23 December, Gutierrez said they have decided to release him from the national women’s team due to its fruitless performance in the AFF tournament last November.

“The decision was made to ensure that the women’s national team is led by someone whose focus and actions are fully aligned with the federation’s objectives and directives, especially as we prepare for critical tournaments, including the AFC qualifications and the 2025 Women’s Futsal World Cup,” said Gutierrez in a letter obtained by DAILY TRIBUNE.

“However, you shall remain as head coach of the Philippine men’s national futsal team. In this capacity, we trust that you will continue to dedicate your expertise and leadership to advance the development and performance of the men’s national team.”

Moran said changing the head coach in the crucial stretch of their preparation for major international competitions is contrary to the federation’s promise of unity and collaboration that was issued when Gutierrez took over from Mariano “Nonong” Araneta in 2023.

“When will the PFF recognize the value of unity and collaboration? It’s time to set aside personal agendas and prioritize the greater good of futsal in the Philippines,” Moran, distinguished businessman and philanthropist, said.

“Let us honor the sacrifices of the coaches, the players, and stakeholders who have built the foundation of this sport in the country.”

“The future of futsal — and its ability to transform lives — depends on decisions like this.”