Fiji is making significant strides towards professional football for the first time in its history. The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) board is set to convene in Nadi this Sunday to finalize plans for a national team to compete in the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Pro League, which is scheduled to commence in January 2026 and continue for four months.
Fiji FA CEO Mohammed Yusuf announced that the goal is to establish eight or more professional teams in the upcoming Pro League. Fiji intends to bid for two teams to participate alongside other Pacific island nations, including Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Tahiti, and New Zealand. Notably, Football Australia has expressed interest in fielding a team, as well as a club from Hawaii, highlighting the growing interest in the region.
The incorporation of Australian teams into the Pro League is expected to foster substantial growth for football in Oceania, enhancing visibility and market reach, boosting competitive standards, and reinforcing economic and cultural connections within the Pacific. Additionally, this move aims to create new developmental opportunities for players across the region.
Yusuf further elaborated that matches will take place in various locations—including Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands—providing fans with diverse viewing experiences. In December, Fiji FA plans to reach out to major companies to discuss the formation of a consortium aimed at owning the two football teams being proposed. This model will see businesses taking on operational roles, including hiring coaches and managing player contracts.
The league’s proposed structure includes the potential for franchises to operate for four years, with initial broadcast revenue directed to OFC. Fiji FA anticipates costs to run a club could reach around $1 million annually, but expects subsidies from airlines to mitigate travel expenses. This approach is akin to the operational model of the Fijian Drua franchise in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Once the Fiji FA board meets, Yusuf will seek government backing from the Minister for Youth and Sports for the initiative. The OFC describes its Pro League as a progressive initiative, aiming to elevate football in Oceania, especially with the prospect of securing spots in the expanded 2026 World Cup, which will allow Oceania to have at least one guaranteed place and possibly a second through playoff opportunities.
This optimistic move underscores a bright future for football in Fiji and the Pacific, positioning local teams to compete on a broader stage and inspiring future athletes.
In summary, Fiji is on the verge of establishing a professional football scene, with plans to participate in the OFC Pro League by 2026. The inclusion of teams from other nations promises to enhance competition and visibility while creating new opportunities for players across the region.
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