FIFA and PSC sign deal to modernise Rizal Memorial Football Stadium
PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio said part of FIFA’s US$25-million football development donation would fund the work, with no cost to the Philippine government.
FIFA and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) signed an agreement on November 15, 2026, for a comprehensive upgrade of Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila. The project covers the venue’s rehabilitation and modernisation.
PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio said funding would come from a portion of FIFA’s US$25-million donation to support football development in the Philippines. He said the Philippine government would not bear any expense for the stadium work.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the signing with Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Gregorio and Philippine Football Federation President John Gutierrez. Infantino toured the stadium before the ceremony. Officials from FIFA and the Asian and ASEAN football confederations also attended.
Infantino said FIFA wanted countries to participate in football rather than simply watch it, and expressed hope that the upgraded venue would be a source of pride for Filipinos.
Gregorio said discussions about rehabilitating the stadium began when the Philippines hosted the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup. He hoped the work would finish before the Marcos administration’s term ends.
