AFTER passing the rigorous diagnostic tests conducted by a FIFA-accredited international testing company, the newly-installed artificial pitch at the historic Rizal Memorial Stadium is now ready for use by the national football teams in the near future.
This was assurance given yesterday by Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann following the test conducted by Acousto-Scan on the turf installed by E-Sports International headed by AudrisRomualdez, a leading sports architecture and recreational solutions provider in the country.
“I don’t want to give a timeline but as soon as we get the certification, we will open this pitch for international competition,” said Bachman, who graced the inspection at the historic sports arena.
Given the previous state of the old pitch, which was also installed by the same company in 2014, the PSC honcho said that he would ensure that the field and all other PSC venues will be properly maintained.
“The PSC spends a lot of money on the repair and renovation of our facilities so this will be one of our top priorities,” added Bachmann of the new field that was built for P16 million.
“The key to sustaining the victories in Philippine sports is to provide our athletes the best welfare and facilities where they can thrive and draw their journey to success,” Bachmann stressed.
“The Rizal Memorial Stadium remains a cornerstone for Filipino athletes, where training, victory and grassroots development flourish,” he pointed out. “Its historical significance blends with the current triumphs of Philippine sports, shaping our identity as a sports-loving nation.”
Acousto-Scan International director Anthony Apparailly, who personally tested the first artificial pitch laid down by E-Sports a decade ago, said the company had eight criteria to determine if the field would pass tough FIFA standards.
“These eight criteria must be consistent so that it will meet the category of a certified FIFA Pro field where even international competitions can be conducted,” he said.
Among these, he added, are the proper bounce of the ball and the stress on the pitch that can take once players start running around it.
Apparailly said it takes the International Football Federation, the world football body known as FIFA, at least a month before the certification is issued.
If the FIFA notice is out by late May, the national teams can start using the field by June, considering that the national men’s and football teams have lined up some competitions by then.
The Philippine men’s football team has its second and pivotal Asian Group B qualifying match at home against Tajikistan on June 10, with the Rizal Stadium being more accessible to most football fans, guaranteeing a sellout crowd for the game.
