GOAL

Gregorio raves about landmark FIFA deal

Ivan Suing · Nov 16, 2026, 2:51 AM

FIFA president Gianni Infantino (second from left), Executive Secretary Ralph Recto (second from right), PFF president John Gutierrez (left) and PSC chairperson Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio take the spotlight during the memorandum of agreement signing Sunday for the $20 million (P1.275 billion) redevelopment of the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. — Photograph courtesy of PSC

Philippine Sports Commission chairman (PSC) Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said the country’s growing partnership with the International Football Federation (FIFA) has secured nearly $25 million in donations for football, foremost is the rehabilitation of the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Gregorio said the relationship developed over the past 12 months, with the stadium project serving as the centerpiece of FIFA’s support for the country.

Infantino visited the historic football stadium on Sunday together with Gregorio and Philippine Football Federation president John Gutierrez.

“The relationship started last year and developed over the past 12 months. Look, here we are now with an almost $25-million donation from FIFA to the Filipino people, particularly the Filipino youth,” Gregorio said.

The rehabilitation of the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium will cost FIFA around $13 million or roughly P828 million.

Gregorio said the project is expected to be completed in the coming months, allowing the venue to host international football matches again as it approaches its 90th year.

He said FIFA recognized the country’s commitment to developing the sport after discussions with Gutierrez.

Infantino said the project reflects FIFA’s belief that football knows no boundaries.

“We don’t want emerging countries to just watch football on TV. We want every country to be part of football, to be part of top football, to be part of world football,” Infantino said.

“Today a stadium is a symbol. It’s a symbol of a country that wants to project itself into the future. To build a stadium is to give smile, to give happiness, to give hope to a whole country.”