MANILA – Spanish striker Bienvenido Marañon is still unlikely to use the Philippine Azkals colors in the joint International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup qualifiers slated next month in China.
According to Philippine Football Federation (PPF) president Mariano Araneta, Marañon’s naturalization process has yet to be approved as it was not transmitted by Congress to President Rodrigo Duterte.
“We have been facing challenges in preparing the men’s national team and we were hoping that the urgency of our situation would have made the process of Bienve’s naturalization faster,” Araneta said on Tuesday night.
“But with the current situation, we are facing the prospect of not having Bienve in the team for the remaining matches, considering the numerous requirements he has to comply with before he can suit up for the country,” he added.
Marañon’s naturalization bill earned approval on the third and final reading at the House of Representatives on February 16, 2021, and was transmitted to the Senate, which approved it on March 15.
After the approval, the Senate transmitted the bill back to the House of Representatives for some minor amendment, which was later approved by the Lower House.
However, the enrolled copy or the final copy was not transmitted to Duterte.
The PPF is still looking forward to having the United City Football Club striker represent the national men’s football team in their future tournaments.
“We understand the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in the process which may have stalled Bienve’s papers in Congress. We remain patient and hopeful that Bienvenido Marañon can join the national team in the future,” said Araneta./PN
