MANILA---The Philippine Football Federation found yesterday a sponsor that will shoulder the national team’s airfare to its training site in Germany and Sri Lanka, where it will play its first World Cup qualifying match on June 29.

The team’s plane tickets for both trips cost a total of P5 million, according to PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta, who declined to name the airline sponsor.

Araneta said the federation is doing everything to help Azkals manager Dan Palami secure funds for the squad, which needs P15 million to compete in the first two rounds of the qualifiers.

“We’re confident we can raise funds for the team, together with Mr. Palami,” said Araneta.

The Azkals will play the first leg against the Sri Lankans in Colombo on June 28. The return leg is set July 3 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

In preparation for the duel with Sri Lanka, the Azkals will undergo a two-week camp in Duren, Germany, starting June 12.

Araneta said they will wait for the seating layout that will be made by San Miguel Corp., which is funding the installation of grandstand seats, before announcing the ticket prices for the game.

He said the target is to start selling tickets a month before the match.

Cedelf Tupas, Inquirer.net