AFC to PFF: Appeal Borromeo, Schrock suspension to FIFA

by Earl Victor Rosero
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has advised the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) to elevate the case of men's national football team captain Aly Borromeo and Filipino-German midfielder Stephan Schrock to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.

PFF General Secretary Ramon Manuel said, in a text message to GMA News Online, the AFC used a provision of the FIFA Disciplinary Code as basis for its recommendation.

Article 17, Section 3 of the code states the FIFA Disciplinary Committee "may exceptionally depart from or amend" the one-game suspension rule after two yellow cards. But the decision must be made before the start of a particular competition."


The AFC's recommendation could give Borromeo and Schrock the chance to suit up for the Azkals in their next World Cup Qualifiers match on July 23 in Kuwait.

There is no appeal option after the committee decides. "Any such decision reached by the Disciplinary Committee is final."

"At least it wasn't a no," said PFF treasurer Bonnie Ladrido on local organizing committee media officer Rick Olivares' blogpost.

Azkals coach Michael Weiss is also optimistic. "Let's hope FIFA will allow it in the spirit of fair play."

Weiss also pointed out that Kuwait already has the advantage over the Philippines by not having to go through Round 1 of the qualifiers. He said Borromeo and Schrock's suspension would put their team at an even greater disadvantage.

The Azkals has been training with the Under-23 national team since late last week.

Midfielders Patrick Hinrichsen and Jason de Jong also rejoined the senior team last Saturday.

Hinrichsen was with the Azkals in their training camp in Germany while de Jong was pulled up from the Under-23 team. Weiss said de Jong has "made a good impression" in the past several days of training.

Team manager Dan Palami said foreign-based defenders Jerry Lucena and Dennis Cagara want very much to be part of the team when it goes to Kuwait. Palami said efforts are underway to enable Lucena and Cagara to join the team's line-up for Round 2.

The Azkals leave on July 14 for Bahrain, where the team will have two friendly matches with that country's olympic team before traveling to Kuwait. Source