PH tennis stars call out PHILTA on ITF suspension

With no less its tennis stars expressing their concern, the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) is now compelled to reveal the real score regarding the reported two-year suspension slapped on them by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
 
Tennis icons Treat Huey and Johnny Arcilla voiced out their concern after learning that PHILTA was given a two-year suspension by the ITF for continuing to snub deadlines on the submission of reportorial requirements, which should include plans for amending the constitution to increase memberships.
 
““I have heard rumours about the ITF suspending PHILTA.  If my fellow players are barred from the Davis Cup and other international team competitions, it would be a huge blow to our livelihood in an already trying time,” said Huey.
 
Huey though wants to see some positive action to happen and is hoping that PHILTA would make its move to avert any possible inactivity on the part of national team members.
 
“I really hope that there will be positive changes moving forward, starting off with the holding of an election. My ultimate hope is to have a unified and a more efficiently-run organization that will ensure that all the tennis players in the country will be properly taken care of,” said Huey.
 
“The athletes should not suffer because of the shortcomings of PHILTA which we have no control over and are not even made aware of.   I just want to have the chance to be able to get back to competing again, after a crazy 2020,” said Treat Huey.
 
The veteran Arcilla meanwhile said it is imperative for PHILTA to institute reforms to produce more tennis champions in the near future.
 
“Kelangan ayusin agad ng PHILTA itong gusot na ito, make positive changes for the betterment of Philippine tennis by instituting programs for national athletes.  Kawawa kaming mga players especially the national team players ang upcoming junior players na apektado nitong suspension na‘to,” added Arcilla.
 
ITF President David Haggerty noted that the association is made up of an “exclusive membership base” which does not qualify PHILTA to be a national sporting federation.
 
The events that transpired also prompted Haggerty to ask from PHILTA their plan of action in diversifying its membership so that an election may take place. Haggerty also noted that NSAs must be comprised of regional representatives of various sports organizations which should be presided over by the sporting clubs themselves.