Fiji is on the cusp of entering the realm of professional football as the Fiji Football Association (FFA) board convenes in Nadi this Sunday to finalize the formation of a team to compete in the upcoming OFC Pro League. This significant competition is set to launch in January 2026 and will run for four months each year.
According to Fiji FA Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Yusuf, the goal is to establish at least eight professional football teams in the OFC Pro League. Fiji aims to bid for two teams, joining other Pacific nations including Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Tahiti, and New Zealand, as well as considering the involvement of teams from Australia and Hawaii.
The inclusion of an Australian team is anticipated to strengthen regional connections and will open up enhanced partnership opportunities, potentially benefitting the development of football across Oceania. Yusuf noted that the Pro League matches will be held in various locations, including Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and Fiji, fostering greater visibility and outreach for the sport.
In preparation, Fiji FA plans to meet with major companies in December to explore the possibility of forming a consortium to manage the two teams they hope to bid for. This consortium would oversee team operations, include a dedicated management structure, and meet the league’s requirement of hiring foreign players. Yusuf mentioned that the financial model resembles that of the Fijian Drua franchise in Super Rugby.
Once the board finalizes plans, Yusuf intends to take the proposal to the Minister for Youth and Sports to secure government endorsement. The OFC’s newly established Pro League is seen as a pivotal step in enhancing football in Oceania, especially with the exciting news that the region has secured guaranteed representation in the 2026 World Cup following the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams.
This development heralds a new era for football in Fiji and the Pacific region, presenting opportunities for growth, increased participation, and international engagement within the sport. The potential for economic and cultural investment in football could create pathways for aspiring players and elevate the standard of the game across the region.
In summary, Fiji is taking significant strides towards establishing professionalism in football, likely improving the sport’s profile and development throughout Oceania. The upcoming meetings and collaborations could pave the way for a successful footballing future.
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