Philippine Football Federation president Mari Martinez yesterday said the staging of the Asian Challenge Cup in Bacolod is already a “remote possibility”, following the withdrawal of the Negros Occidental Football Association.

Martinez said he is respecting the decision of NOFA president Carlos Cojuangco and added that the PFF is eyeing other venues in the country and abroad.

“Of course, I would still want it to be in the Philippines . Right now, the possibility of having it in the country is 60 to 70 percent,” he said.

Sources in the PFF said Iloilo , whose sports complex doesn't have lighting facilities, is the likely host of the tournament.

Cojuangco, former congressman of the fourth district of Negros Occidental, scored the PFF for lack of courtesy, saying he was kept in the dark on the details related to the hosting of the tournament, which was supposed to be held at the Panaad Park and Stadium.

But Martinez said he has been informed that the NOFA is planning to hold a tournament during the summer that will run in conflict with the Challenge Cup scheduled from May 11-18.

Cojuangco, however, said NOFA has yet to receive a single communication from the PFF on the staging of the event.

“As football lovers, we had wanted to be part of this event, which we believe could go a long way in the promotion of the game, especially in the grassroots,” Cojuangco said.

The Panaad served as venue of the Asean Football Federation Cup in November 2006 and the Southeast Asian Games in December 2005.

Despite the development, newly-appointed national team coach Norman Fegidero Jr. said he still wants the training camp of the RP booters in Bacolod .*CPT

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