MANILA -- FIFA President Gianni Infantino says it is "about time" that the Philippines hosts a major event, as he attended the opening day of the 2025 FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup in Pasig City on Friday.
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The Philippines is hosting the inaugural edition of the competition, marking the first time that a FIFA tournament has been staged in the country. It is also only the second time that a FIFA women's tournament has taken place in Southeast Asia.
"We are writing history and to do it here in such a welcoming beautiful country is something really special for FIFA, for the Philippines, for all these women who are playing. It’s just fantastic," said Infantino.
"I think it's about time that a big country like the Philippines, which is known all over the world for being such a welcoming country, is hosting a big FIFA event," he added.
Infantino watched the opening ceremony and the first slate of games together with Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President John Gutierrez and Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio at the PhilSports Arena.
A total of 16 teams are competing in the tournament that runs until December 7.
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