Fiji is on the brink of entering the world of professional football as the Fiji Football Association board convenes in Nadi this Sunday. The primary focus of this meeting is to finalize plans for a team that will represent Fiji in the upcoming OFC (Oceania Football Confederation) Pro League, set to kick off in January 2026 and running for four months annually.
Fiji FA’s chief executive officer, Mohammed Yusuf, announced ambitions to field at least two teams in the Pro League, which aims to establish eight or more professional football clubs. This move will not only include teams from Fiji but also other Pacific nations such as the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Tahiti, and New Zealand. Yusuf revealed that Football Australia and a team from Hawaii have expressed interest in contributing to the league.
The OFC has highlighted that involving an Australian-based club would foster stronger community ties and create new opportunities for collaboration and growth in the sport across Oceania. This initiative promises significant benefits, including improving competitive standards, enhancing visibility, and creating development pathways for Pacific players.
Yusuf shared details about the league’s structure, which will involve teams playing matches across Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and the Pacific islands, with Fiji also hosting games. To facilitate this, the Fiji FA plans to meet with major companies in December about forming a consortium to manage the two teams they intend to bid for. This would encompass operational management, coaching hires, and player contracts, with the league allowing clubs to recruit international talents.
The anticipated franchise will operate for four years, initially directing broadcast revenues to the OFC. Yusuf assessed that costs for running a club could approach $1 million annually, although airline subsidies will alleviate some travel expenses. The league model bears similarities to the Fijian Drua franchise in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Moreover, the OFC Pro League is considered a transformative step for regional football, aiming to secure two coveted spots in the 2026 World Cup following the tournament’s expansion from 32 to 48 teams and potential inter-confederation playoff opportunities.
This initiative marks a pivotal moment for football in Fiji, promising not only to elevate the sport locally but also to enhance its presence on the international stage. With proactive planning and support from both the government and local enterprises, Fijian football could be poised for a successful future.
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