MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) said their new 4-year agreement with ABS-CBN Sports aims to further popularize football in the country.

PFF President Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said the agreement will not only focus on the Philippine Azkals, but also bring attention to various football activities in the countryside.

“It means a lot,” Araneta said of their deal with ABS-CBN Sports.

“ABS-CBN will not only cover the Azkals but also local activities in football all over the country like in Mindanao, in the Visayas and the whole of Luzon,” he said.

PFF has 33-member organizations from around the country.

Araneta added that ABS-CBN Sports promised to cover the activities of these organizations through its local television stations.

Azkals team Manager Dan Palami, said PFF's contract with ABS-CBN will help push football to become a mainstream sport in the Philippines.

“I'm glad that the Azkals have been a big part in football’s promotion and we look forward to other teams as well in football, them being able to play the same impact,” he said.

ABS-CBN Sports Division Vice President Peter Musngi said the broadcasting network recognizes the need to develop local football from the grassroots.

“Para ma-sustain ang kalibre ng national team, kelangan natin ng grassroots development,” he said.

“Hindi lang natin tinitignan yung next generation ng Azkals kundi yung iba pang henerasyon, mapababae, mapalalaki… tuloy tuloy na sana ito.”