Fiji is now poised to enter the realm of professional football as the Fiji Football Association (FFA) prepares to send a team to the upcoming OFC (Oceania Football Confederation) Pro League, which is set to launch in January 2026. The FFA board will convene in Nadi this Sunday to finalize plans for Fiji’s representation in this exciting competition, which will last for four months each year.
Chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf announced that the goal is to establish at least eight professional teams within the Pro League, with Fiji aiming to secure two entries. Teaming up with representatives from other Pacific island nations, including the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, also adds to the league’s diversity. Additionally, interest from Football Australia and teams based in Hawaii highlights the growing appeal of this venture.
The introduction of an Australian-based club is anticipated to foster closer ties among Pacific nations, offering benefits such as expanded visibility, enhanced competitive standards, and new pathways for player development in the region. Yusuf emphasized the significance of the league’s home-and-away format, which will allow local teams to compete not only within Fiji but also across Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific islands.
In preparation for this new league, Fiji FA will discuss potential partnerships with major companies in December to form a consortium that could own and manage the teams. This structure is expected to replicate successful models seen in other sports, such as the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby Pacific, and may even present opportunities for clubs to be publicly listed.
Yusuf expressed optimism about securing government support for these endeavors, aiming to present the proposal to the Minister for Youth and Sports following the board meeting. The establishment of the Pro League is part of a broader initiative by the OFC to enhance the sport’s development in the region while aiming for representation in the 2026 World Cup—an opportunity made possible by the tournament’s expansion.
This development represents a thrilling chapter for Fijian football, exemplifying the potential for growth and success in regional sports, potentially giving athletes new aspirations and elevating the standard of football across Oceania.
The drive towards professionalizing football in Fiji signals a bright future ahead, not only for the teams and players involved but for the fans who will rally behind them. With the efforts from the FFA, the pathway to further opportunities and achievements appears promising.
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