Cedelf P. Tupas
Citing total loss of trust and confidence, the Philippine Football Federation yesterday removed Jose Mari Martinez as president and voted Iloilo Football Association head Mariano �Nonong� Araneta to take the reins until the elections next year.
Acting on a board resolution calling for Martinez�s ouster, 25 of the 33 football associations voted to oust the former national player-turned official at the PFF Annual Congress.
Two FA presidents�Taghi Kashef of Legaspi-Albay FA and Leo Arnaiz of Baguio FA�left before the Congress voted on Martinez�s fate, while Rene Cosmod of Davao and Jose Reniva of Camarines abstained.
Araneta, who was nominated by M�lang Mayor and North Cotabato FA president Joselito Pinol, called for unity and pledged transparency as the PFF moves on from the controversy.
�Unity is essential to football,� said Araneta. �I want to work with the stakeholders to make football better.�
The board recommendation said it was proven that Martinez made unauthorized disbursement of PFF funds and falsified documents apart from his non-return of the P2.8 million he took from the federation�s coffers.
�That board meeting is unacceptable,� said Martinez, claiming that he wasn�t even invited to the meeting, a contention disputed by PFF general secretary Chito Manuel.
Inquirer.net
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