Welcome to the Trequartista Sweeper, or what used to be the news tidbits piece for Soccer Central Philippines. The feature is all about making an effort to cover everything in and around football, whether it is local or international.The decision to name it as such is to combine the elements of an attacking and a defending position, making sure you get as much coverage as possible. It is hoped that we are able to give you some little snippets of football to interest you, the reader.

Image courtesy of Craig Burrows.

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It took them a while, but the Philippine Football Federation handed down its decision on the Matthew Hartmann case. If you remember, the Loyola Meralco Sparks FC defender / midfielder was the captain during the SEA Games. We all remember that he left during the campaign due to some disagreements with the national team head coach Michael Weiss, disagreements which has not been expounded on between both parties. He was meted with an indefinite suspension pending an appeal from him, which he has already filed. Until then, he cannot play for either the national side or for the UFL Cup runners-up. I thought the PFF suspending him for national team duty can be justified, after all, he did leave the team during a campaign, made worse with the fact that he was THE CAPTAIN of said team. I still don't get with his suspension with club football, since I do not think the alleged fracas during the practice match against Green Archers United warranted such a suspension there. I believe that the PFF Disciplinary Committee will do its due diligence and make the right decision on this matter.

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It is important to stress that football is only a sport sometimes and it should not become the overriding thing about your existence. Being too overtly fanatical can be costly. A harsh reality greeted us all in the aftermath of what had transpired in a football match between rivals Al-Masry and Al-Ahly. Fans of  Al-Masry, who had won their match 3-1, invaded the pitch to celebrate the victory, which had escalated to violence towards the Al-Ahly players and fans. Players had to escape to their changing rooms, but fans were not as lucky. Reports were shown that 74 have already died and hundreds injured. It was a traumatizing experience for the players and the coaching staff, some remarking that they themselves saw people die in front of them knowing they could not do anything.

The repurcussions have been severe for Egyptian football. Al-Ahly's coach, Mario Jose, has returned to his home in Portugal and has requested to cancel his contract with the team. Three prominent Egyptian national team players plying their trade with Al-Ahly have already announced their retirement from football, traumatized by the violence. The Egyptian Football Federation has suspended all football leagues as a result of the incident, and has been asked to a prepare a report detailing the incident with FIFA. A parliamentary inquiry is being made to check on the lack of security that allowed this to take place, amidst protests from the public largely fresh from toppling the previous administration during the "Arab Spring."

Reflecting on the development of football culture in the Philippines, One must strive a balance, a balance between enforcing a tough homefield advantage, whether in club football or in international matches, with maintaining good behavior in the stands.

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The Turf@BGC was officially launched yesterday, with a demo match between the current leaders of the United Football League Stallion Gilligan's FC against the Philippine National Team. The Azkals won 2-1 thanks to goals from Kaya FC's Joshua Beloya and an own goal from Bervic Italia. The lone goal for Stallion came from Joo Young Lee. Although it was launched just yesterday, the pitch has been in full use for a while already. In fact, UFL 2nd Division games have already taken place at this venue. In addition to the Azkals, the female senior national team a.k.a The Malditas, have already tested the field for practice. In fact, Spanish side CFI Madrid played a scrimmage with the Malditas as part of their prep for the Dili Kamo Nag-iisa Charity match.

The artificial pitch is the first one of its kind that can be used by the public, and with that, here are some reminders with regards to the use of the pitch.

No schedule No Pay NO PLAY
No proper attire and shoes (Soccer Cleats ONLY). No Turf/Running/Tennis/Futsal shoes. FG/HG studs only and no 6 studs. NO PLAY!
No PETS allowed!
NO EATING/ SMOKING/ CHEWING GUM
Bring your trash with you. Maintain cleanliness.
Reservations are on a first come first serve basis. If the slot is booked, don't insist on taking it, even if I know you. Respect the other users also.
No fighting on the pitch. Both of you will be banned!
If you want to watch the game, pls do so outside the pitch.
Your bodyguard is not allowed to be on the pitch.
Intoxicated and players under the influence of drugs are not allowed to use the pitch.
You cannot use training aids that will puncture the surface of the pitch. NO POLES PLS!

If you are interested, you can send a message to Ernie Nierras on his Facebook page for inquiries.

The rates are as follows (VAT inclusive):

6am-9am P2240
9am-3pm P1680
3pm-6pm P2800
6pm-12mn P2800 +lights (Level 1 +P500, Level 2 +P1000, Level 3 P1,500)

Friday night Football: No reservations. pay P250 then first come first play. 8pm-midnight every Friday.