Fiji is on the brink of entering professional football for the first time, as the Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) prepares to finalize plans for a team to compete in the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Pro League. A board meeting is scheduled for Sunday in Nadi, which will focus on the representation of Fiji in this new league set to launch in January 2026 and run for four months each year.
According to Fiji FA CEO Mohammed Yusuf, the objective is to establish eight or more professional teams in the OFC Pro League, with Fiji aiming to bid for two teams. This initiative positions Fiji alongside other Pacific nations including Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Tahiti, and New Zealand, with additional interest from Football Australia and a team from Hawaii.
The OFC Pro League aims to foster significant benefits, such as improved visibility, better competitive standards, and stronger economic and cultural connections within the Pacific region. Yusuf highlighted that this league will feature home and away matches, allowing Fijian teams to compete in various territories, including Australia and Hawaii, while also hosting games back in Fiji.
In December, Fiji FA plans to meet with major companies to discuss the Pro League concept and potentially form a consortium to manage the two teams they intend to bid for. This consortium will oversee team operations, appoint a board and CEO, and establish a squad of 25 to 30 players, with the opportunity to sign four international players.
The operational model will be reminiscent of the Fijian Drua franchise, which plays in the Super Rugby Pacific competition. Renowned for its sustainability plans, the OFC Pro League is described as a forward-thinking initiative aimed at elevating football across Oceania and increasing the region’s chances of securing spots in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This development signifies an exciting time for football in Fiji and the wider Oceania region, presenting opportunities for enhanced athletic development and international exposure. The guarantees of World Cup slots, following the tournament’s expansion, further add to the motivation and possibilities for Pacific nations within this burgeoning football environment.
Overall, the progression towards professional football in Fiji is a promising advancement, stirring excitement among local fans and stakeholders, and paving the way for a brighter future in the nation’s sports landscape.
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