Former Filipinas team manager Jeff Cheng. Handout/PFF

MANILA (2nd UPDATE) -- Businessman Jeff Cheng on Sunday announced that he is stepping away from his role as team manager of the Philippine women's national football team, after having led the squad to historic heights.

In a statement, Cheng said he has already informed the Philippine Football Federation's Director of National Teams of his decision.

"For several months, we tried our best to make things work, under new and very different circumstances," said Cheng. "Unfortunately, the situation is not workable."

"Our priorities and goals do not align, and the PWNT organization that we worked hard to develop in the past years is incompatible with current methods," he added, without going into detail.

The PFF elected new leadership in November 2023, with John Anthony Gutierrez replacing longtime president Mariano "Nonong" Araneta at the helm of the federation.

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Freddy Gonzalez, the PFF's director of national teams, said he "regretfully" accepted Cheng's decision.

"His massive contribution to Philippine football has been a source of great pride for all of us in the last few years, and I had hoped he could continue in his role. It's a big loss, but I must respect his decision and move forward," Gonzalez said in a statement.

"As Director of National Teams, the challenge of filling the void created by this departure falls under my responsibility. It's a huge challenge, but I have every intention to make sure we keep the program of the women's national team progressing in the right direction. We must continue building on Jeff's great work," he added. "There's a lot to be done."

Gonzalez did not give a timeline or options for Cheng's possible replacement but said that more news will be shared "soon."

Under Cheng's stewardship, the Filipinas registered several milestones in the past few years, highlighted by their stint in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup where they claimed a historic victory over co-host New Zealand.

They also won a bronze medal in the 2021 Southeast Asian Games, and lifted their first ever trophy in 2022 when they ruled the AFF Women's Championship on home soil.

"I want to thank all of you for the support and kindness that you have shown me. It is through you that our efforts have not gone unnoticed and I am grateful to have shared some of the best football experiences with all of you," said Cheng.

The PFF, in its own statement, thanked Cheng for "his years of support to the Philippine community" as the team manager of the PWNFT.

"Under Mr. Cheng's leadership and backing of the PWNT, the Philippines achieved the elusive World Cup dream when the Filipinas made it to the 2024 FIFA Women's World Cup. For this and Mr. Cheng's other efforts to promote the beautiful game and uphold the welfare of the Filipino stakeholders in the country, the PFF is grateful," the federation added.

In its initial statement to the media, the PFF said that its "doors always remain open to Mr. Cheng and all football supporters."

However, hours later the federation sent a revised statement, where it said that they will "build on the momentum that the past administration has established."