The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) is pleased to announce that 12 of its referees have been accepted into the FIFA 2021 Refereeing International List. This prestigious recognition from the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) signifies that these referees are eligible to officiate in international matches throughout the calendar year.
One notable addition to the FIFA 2021 Refereeing List is Meliton Pelayo from the Iloilo Football Association, who previously served as a match official during the Philippines Football League 2020 season. The inclusion of Pelayo and his colleagues in the list is a testament to their dedication and expertise in the field of football refereeing.
The 12 Filipino referees accepted to the FIFA list are as follows:
FIFA Referees:
– Clifford Daypuyat – Zamboanga del Norte – Dipolog RFA
– Jhesa Mae Kaatz (Women’s Referee) – Iloilo FA
– Meliton Pelayo – Iloilo FA
– Steve Suprecencia – Iloilo FA
FIFA Assistant Referees:
– Merlo Albano (Women’s Assistant Referee) – Davao-South RFA
– Relly Balila – FA of Rizal
– Francis Engalgado – Iloilo FA
– Kent Gobuyan – Iloilo FA
– Giovanni Lachica – Negros Occidental FA
– Krizmark Nañola – Quezon – Batangas RFA
FIFA Futsal Referees:
– Emmanuel Elloso – Iloilo FA
– Rey Ritaga
The confirmation of the Filipino FIFA match officials was met with praise from PFF officials, including president Mariano Araneta and general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes. They extended their congratulations to the referees and expressed their well-wishes for their future endeavors in both domestic and international competitions.
Araneta commended the 12 referees and assistant referees for their accomplishment, emphasizing the importance of their roles in upholding integrity in every match they officiate. Atty. Gastanes also lauded the continuous efforts of PFF in developing high-quality match officials, even in the face of challenging circumstances.
In conclusion, the inclusion of Filipino referees in the FIFA 2021 Refereeing International List is a source of pride for the Philippine Football Federation. It serves as a testament to the talent and commitment of these referees, and it opens up new opportunities for them to showcase their skills on the international stage. As they embark on this new chapter in their officiating careers, they carry with them the support and well-wishes of the PFF and the entire Philippine football community.
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