PFF losing more key executives

The shock decision of Freddy Gonzalez to quit as director for national teams of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) is just one of the many resignations that rocked the organization recently.

Prior to his quitting, Spanish deputy technical director Josep Ferre tendered his resignation to PFF president John Gutierrez, dealing a major blow to the federation that is looking to restore the country’s glory in major international tournaments.

In a social media post, Ferre stressed that he decided to quit due to “personal reason” and not due to professional conflict with some personalities in the country’s football body.

“This is a decision I made some time ago, for personal reasons I like to keep private. It is in no way related to sporting matters or personal relationships — which, on the contrary, have been very positive and rewarding throughout my time in the Philippines,” said the 41-year-old Ferre, who also served as men’s national team head coach from 2022 to 2023.

“Throughout this journey, I have met many passionate people who truly loved football. They come from different backgrounds and realities — but they share a deep commitment to the game.”

Ferre’s decision to walk away, topped with Gonzalez’s resignation, created a huge void in the national team program. After all, their job is to comb the country — and even abroad — of the best football players who can play for the national squad.

He added that the country has what it takes to become a football powerhouse only if they will work together with shared responsibility and genuine commitment.

“While criticism may come easily during tough times, true progress will depend on collective action, shared responsibility, and a genuine commitment to moving forward together,” Ferre said.

“The Philippines is a country full of potential — a gold mine of talent and energy. But we will only go far if we all move in the same direction.”

Aside from Ferre, also stepping down in the wake of Gonzalez’s resignation are national team media officer Jing Jamlang and men’s national team assistant manager Mikkel Paris.

Jamlang, the point person of sportswriters during national team event, and Paris, also the chief executive officer of Auntie Anne’s Philippines, tendered their resignations on the same day Gonzalez quit.

With Jamlang and Paris, whose company is among the backers of the national team, out, the men’s squad will have a hard time with its recruitment and campaign in major international events, including the ongoing AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Ferre, Jamlang and Paris joined the long list of executives who bolted out the administration of Gutierrez in the PFF like Azkals team manager Dan Palami, Filipinas team manager Jefferson Cheng, Pinay5 team manager Danny Moran and coaches Vic Hermans of the Netherlands and Albert Capellas of Spain.