The Philippine women’s futsal team is at the heart of a storm, torn between years of grassroots development and mounting organizational chaos within the Philippine Football Federation (PFF).

As the country prepares to host the first-ever FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup in November 2025, this historic opportunity is overshadowed by internal disarray, player resignations, and decisions that threaten the sport’s progress.

Over the past decade, Philippine futsal has grown from humble beginnings to a competitive discipline, thanks to tireless efforts from stakeholders like Gawad Kalinga, Tuloy, Tondo, Payatas, Azzurri, and the Moran Foundation. Initiatives such as Liga GK, Fairplay Futsal League, Liga Eskwela, and Metro Manila Futsal League have been instrumental in nurturing young talent and creating pathways to the national team.

The Moran Foundation, in particular, played a crucial role in elevating the sport by introducing Dutch coach Vic Hermans to the Philippines and establishing the High5 Futsal League—the premier competition for identifying national team players. Under Hermans, the team made steady progress, competing with determination against regional powerhouses.

The announcement of the Philippines as the host of the first FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup should have been a watershed moment. Instead, it has laid bare infighting within the PFF. While this honour brought global attention to Philippine futsal, it also seems to have ignited a struggle for control within the federation, leaving the sport vulnerable.