Fiji is on the cusp of a significant milestone in its sporting history, as preparations are underway to establish professional football in the country. The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) board is set to convene in Nadi this Sunday to finalize plans for a team that will represent Fiji in the upcoming OFC Pro League competition, which is scheduled to kick off in January 2026 and will span four months annually.
Chief Executive Officer of Fiji FA, Mohammed Yusuf, announced the ambition to enter two teams into the Pro League, which will feature a total of eight or more professional teams. Interest from a range of Pacific island nations, including the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Tahiti, and New Zealand is noted, along with additional interest from Football Australia and a prospective team from Hawaii.
Yusuf highlighted the benefits of including an Australian team, which could foster stronger regional connections and enhance the growth of football throughout Oceania. The Pro League’s structure will see matches played home and away, with teams competing across Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and Fiji itself.
To further solidify these plans, Fiji FA will meet with major local companies in December to discuss the possibility of forming a consortium that would own and operate the two teams being bid for. Under this model, each team would engage a professional management structure, including certified coaches and a squad of 25 to 30 players, with provisions allowing for the inclusion of four international players.
Financing the operation of a club will require significant investment, estimated at around $1 million annually, which reflects the league’s ambition and viability. Additionally, the league is modeled after the successful Fijian Drua franchise in the Super Rugby Pacific.
With the introduction of the Pro League, the OFC aims to elevate the standard of football in Oceania as it seeks to secure spots at the 2026 World Cup, marking a historic opportunity for the region. For the first time, Oceania will have guaranteed access to the World Cup finals following the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams.
The developments signal a promising future for football in Fiji, paving the way for aspiring players and fostering regional unity through sport. This initiative not only embodies a significant step for local sporting culture but also showcases the potential for enhanced international collaboration and economic opportunities within the region.
Summary: Fiji is preparing to launch professional football with plans for teams to enter the OFC Pro League, starting in January 2026. The Fiji FA aims to bid for two teams, engage local companies for operational management, and strengthen regional ties through this initiative. The league presents an opportunity for growth in Oceania football, particularly with prospects for World Cup participation.
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