Philippines to challenge AFC youth competition ban
The Philippine Football Federation will seek reconsideration of a ban from the 2029 AFC Under-20 Asian Cup qualifiers after withdrawing from the previous qualifying competition to prioritise its under-23 team’s Asian Games campaign.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has fined the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) US$10,000 and barred its men’s under-20 team from the 2029 AFC Under-20 Asian Cup qualifiers. The sanctions follow the federation’s withdrawal from the 2027 qualifying competition 35 days before its opening match.The PFF notified the AFC of its withdrawal on July 27. The Philippines had been due to open its campaign against hosts Kyrgyzstan on August 31, with South Korea and Lebanon also in the group. The AFC disciplinary committee found that the withdrawal breached competition rules governing the obligations of member associations after entering a team. The fine is payable within 30 days of the decision.“While the PFF respects the AFC’s competition regulations and decisions, and remains committed to fulfilling its responsibilities as a member association, the PFF intends to avail itself of the applicable AFC procedures to seek reconsideration of the decision, so that the Philippine U20 Men’s National Team may participate in the next qualifying competition,” the federation said.The PFF cited the resources available at the time and its decision to prioritise the men’s under-23 team’s participation in the 2026 Asian Games. It was the Philippines’ first appearance in the men’s football tournament since 1974 and also formed part of the federation’s preparations for the 2027 Southeast Asian Games.The ban would keep the under-20 team out of the next continental qualifying cycle. In setting out its case for reconsideration, the federation pointed to its continued participation in other youth competitions, including the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival, the ASEAN under-17 and under-19 boys’ championships and the AFC Under-17 Women’s Asian Cup.“The U20 and U23 national teams remain integral parts of our long-term strategy to develop a stronger Philippine Men’s National Team,” the federation added. “The PFF will continue investing in youth development, expanding competitive opportunities, and preparing our young players for regional, continental and international competitions.”