The Philippine women’s futsal team faces uncertainty in its preparation for hosting the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup on November 21 to December 7, 2025 following the abrupt termination of coach Vic Hermans by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF).
Hermans, 71, who has coached the team for three years, was informed of his removal through a letter dated December 23 while on holiday in the Netherlands.
The PFF retained Hermans as head of the men’s team, citing alignment with federation objectives for the coaching change but offering no detailed explanation.
Team manager Danny Moran, chairman of the Henry Moran Foundation, criticized the decision, which he claimed bypassed due process.
Hermans had recently signed a contract valid until December 2025, intended to cover the World Cup cycle.
“We continue to recognize coach Hermans as our women’s coach until such time that PFF is able to justify his termination with due process,” Moran said. “The recent results of our women’s team prove his ability to move us forward.”
The timing of the dispute is critical as the team prepares for the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers in Uzbekistan from January 11-19. Despite the controversy, 12 out of 14 players attended a four-day training camp on January 4, led by team captain Isabella Bandoja, who reportedly considered resigning if Hermans was officially replaced.
Moran emphasized the sacrifices of the players, many of whom hail from underprivileged backgrounds.
“The girls sacrificed years of commitment. We can’t let them down. We will fight for them,” Moran said. “These players are true patriots and will inspire countless grassroots children.”
Former PFF president and FIFA Council member Mariano “Nonong” Araneta echoed Moran’s sentiments, highlighting the foundation’s role in developing futsal in the country.
“Moran and Hermans have made sacrifices to build this program,” Araneta said. “We hope the PFF leadership will allow Hermans and Pinay5 to represent the country in the World Cup.”
The Pinay5 team faces a challenging path in Group C of the AFC Qualifiers, with matches scheduled against Kuwait, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Australia.
The top two teams from each group and the best third-placer will advance to the Asian Cup in China, which will determine the final roster for the World Cup.
With just 10 months before the Philippines’ first hosting of a FIFA World Cup event in any category, Moran is calling for resolution to ensure seamless preparations.
Plans for the World Cup include games at the PhilSports Arena and potentially Bacolod.
However, the ongoing leadership conflict threatens to overshadow the country’s historic moment on the global futsal stage.
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