Four teams from Fiji have expressed their commitment to joining the upcoming Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Professional League, with Fiji Football Association (FFA) CEO Mohammed Yusuf announcing that the names of these teams will be disclosed by the end of March. The league is set to launch in January 2026 and has generated significant interest, receiving a total of 24 expressions of interest from clubs across the Pacific region.
Among these expressions, six teams are from New Zealand, with additional interest from Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Caledonia, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, and Vanuatu. Yusuf disclosed that the process of finalizing the necessary documentation for these teams is currently in motion and is expected to be completed by the end of March.
While the identities of the Fijian teams remain under wraps for now, Yusuf emphasized that the clubs are diligently working toward meeting the requirements imposed by the OFC Pro League. He stated, “We cannot reveal any teams until the end of the month; they are busy preparing, and there is a lot of documentation required.”
The league is designed to operate professionally, with pre-season training scheduled to commence in November, leading to matches that are set to start on January 10 and continue until the end of May. Yusuf noted that competition for spots in the league is stiff, particularly with six applications coming from New Zealand. However, he remains optimistic that Fiji may secure at least two positions.
This initiative heralds a new era for Pacific football, aiming to establish and elevate standards of performance, competitive dynamics, and opportunities within the sport across Oceania. The league’s establishment not only signals an investment in the enhancement of local football infrastructure but also seeks to unite the diverse cultures within the Pacific through sport.
In summary, the creation of the OFC Professional League offers a promising and transformative opportunity for football in Fiji and the greater Oceania region. It paves the way for greater community engagement, enhanced player development, and a hopeful future for the sport as the region prepares for its newly guaranteed spot in the 2026 World Cup.
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