Barcelona-born Rafa Merino was appointed coach of Philippine women’s national futsal team. Photo by Kennedy Caacbay, ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President John Gutierrez on Tuesday expressed confidence in Rafa Merino, the newly appointed coach of the Philippine women's national futsal team.

Merino succeeds Vic Hermans, who was reassigned by the PFF to the men's national team — marking his removal from the women's squad that he had handled for three years.

"I think we're in good hands," said Gutierrez of Merino, a Barcelona-born coach.

READ: Futsal: PFF unveils women's futsal roster, new coach for Asian Cup Qualifiers

According to the PFF, Merino holds a UEFA Pro License (Level 3) and an FA Level 1 in Football (England). He also possesses expertise in sports coaching, earned at Florida Universitaria in Valencia, Spain.

Merino also managed several first-division futsal clubs, including Pescados Rubén Burela FS and Barcelona’s Esportiu Rubí FS.

READ: PH gears up for hosting of FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup

"He is the highest licensed futsal coach that has ever been involved in the Philippines," Gutierrez asserted.

Their first task will be the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers in Uzbekistan from January 11 to 19.

READ: FIFA confirms dates for Futsal Women's World Cup in PH

PFF conducted a send-off event for the players in Makati City, unveiling a roster to represent the Philippines comprised of Sheen Borres, Shelah Mae Cadag, Sara Castañeda, Judy Connolly, Alisha Del Campo, Isabella Flanigan, Cathrine Graversen, Katrina Guillou, Samantha Hughes, Rocelle Mendaño, Vrendelle Nuera, Regine Rebosora, Kayla Santiago, and Dionesa Tolentin.

This development came several months before the Philippines hosts the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup this year.