Excitement is building up as Victorias City officially announced its hosting of the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup on Nov. 21 to Dec. 7.
During the ceremonial signing of the Hall and Host City Agreement between Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez and Philippine Football Federation President John Anthony Gutierrez at Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City on Wednesday, Feb. 26, the mayor expressed his gratitude and excitement for the upcoming “extremely historic” international competition.
“This is extremely historic for the city of Victorias,” Benitez said.
“This partnership with PFF and FIFA is a leap towards the future of our city, of our province and our region and country to be a premier sporting hub for the Visayas region,” he added.
Sixteen teams from six confederations are set to compete at the Victorias Coliseum and the PhilSports Arena in Pasig – the venues for the event that marks a historic a milestone for Philippine Football.
Gutierrez believes the inaugural World Cup will rival the “Thrilla in Manila”, the epic boxing match between boxing greats Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, citing how Benitez and the city of Victorias aggressively made it possible to bring the international sports event to the city.
“This is football country. So dapat talaga, star aligned, dito natin gawin sa Victorias the first ever FIFF Women’s Futsal,” Gutierrez said.
The national team automatically secures a slot for the competition.
A FIFA team inspected the Victorias Coliseum last week to assess the facilities at the venue and ramp up preparations for the international event.
“We as a city and a community can’t let this opportunity pass,” Benitez stressed.
“Preparations are underway. We will make sure that this event will be successful, and you can count on our side for our commitment and support,” he added.
Meanwhile, Victorias City represented by the mayor signed another agreement along with the Loyola Football Club, a professional football team, to further enhance football at the grassroots.
Joining the ceremonial signing were city officials of Victorias, PFF officials and other FC representatives.*