On the night the Philippine Women’s National Football Team stunned host nation New Zealand in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the Sky Stadium in Wellington, journalists and broadcasters from around the world gathered at the venue’s mixed zone to get interviews from that game’s protagonists.
For the Filipinas, three key players of that match gave interviews: goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, who kept the Football Ferns at bay, midfielder Sara Eggesvik, who provided the game-winning assist, and goalscorer Sarina Bolden, whose 24th-minute header is etched in Philippine football history.
While most of the journalists put their phones down and were ready to go back to the media center, one managed to get Bolden all to herself and ask the legendary striker a simple question that paid tribute to her predecessors.
That journalist’s name is Venice Furio — the face of the Futbol Brew vodcast and Filipinas Futbol, which is now evolving into Laban Filipinas to cover women’s sports in the Philippines, not just football.
So long a lone voice in the growth of women’s football in the Philippines, Furio’s journalism has grown alongside the rise of the PWNT — only for her to be struck by a curveball that has so many ramifications.
Access Denied?
Just got word that I’m no longer considered a friend of the Filipinas because of my recent posts—my access to the team has officially been revoked. Wishing the girls all the best!
— venice (@VenNotBen) February 18, 2025
On February 18, 2025, Furio posted on her X account that her access to the PWNT has been cut off.
Apparently, this all started when her request to interview some of the Filipinas players was denied allegedly due to some social media posts that were interpreted as damaging toward the team. Moreover, the team official she spoke with stated that the interview could go on provided that one of her colleagues will be the one to do it and not her.
The treatment Furio received provoked violent reactions and questions on social media. Speculation was rampant as to what social media posts specifically were the ones that caught the ire of “certain individuals” who gave the order for her to be cast aside.
On top of that, some have pointed out that this development is a violation of Article III, Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution, which protects the freedom of the press.
Esteemed journalists took no time in backing Furio’s corner.
Spin.ph’s Reuben Terrado and Manila Standard columnist Erel Cabatbat released columns in support of our colleague while the Daily Tribune released an editorial criticizing the Philippine Football Federation for what it felt was another misstep in recent times.
The Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Jonas Terrado has written stories covering this incident, noting certain actions that antagonize the media as well as prevent individuals from voicing criticism directly toward the PFF online.
The PFF Reacts
As of this writing, there is no clarity as to what prompted the ban on Furio as the PFF itself asserted that it has not put a ban on any journalist that covers its national teams and events.
Three days after Furio got the alleged ban, the PFF finally spoke up by releasing a statement on its social media channels that not only was such a sanction not given to anyone, to begin with, but it was the PWNT coaching staff that sought the players to fully focus on preparations for upcoming international tournaments such as the 2025 ASEAN Women’s Championship and the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
Stating that it recognizes the vital role journalists play in the promotion and coverage of football in the country, the PFF emphasized that it was the PWNT coaching staff that determines the time and player availability when it comes to the media’s access toward the Filipinas and that insider access is not given in the interest of fairness for all of those who cover the team.
If this is the case, does it not mean that there is no actual ban on Furio and that she could interview players during the Filipinas Homecoming 2025 event on Tuesday that will grace the opening of the new SM Mall of Asia rooftop football pitch during media availability sessions?
An Indespensable Asset
Starting her journey with a camera in her hands, Furio’s passion has seen her cover the PWNT extensively right from its Malditas era to its current Filipinas era which has seen the team rise as a tough contender on the international stage.
She was there when the PWNT earned the right to be called the queen of ASEAN football and witnessed and covered firsthand the team’s campaign in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, where the country made headlines worldwide for its victory over New Zealand.
Considering that women’s football has been on an upward trajectory these past few years, behind individuals such as benefactor Jeff Cheng, coaches Alen Stajcic and Let Dimzon, and journalists like Furio, who spend their time, resources, and energy covering teams and individuals who shape the game in the country.
As the Philippines is set to host the 2025 FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup and compete in several international matches and competitions in the next few months, having Furio back in the fold will go a long way in spotlighting the protagonists of women’s football in the country; easing the fractured relationship between the PFF and the media; and giving the fans the stories and content they crave.
Being a lone voice in the women’s football scene for so long has allowed Furio to come up with stories that her peers miss out on.
Just ask the likes of Bolden, retired Filipinas captain Tahnai Annis, and countless others who have relied on her to relay to the public sentiments and insights that they would not easily share with others in the field.
