Construction on a new multi-purpose football academy and stadium complex in Lomolomo is set to commence in March, as confirmed by Fiji Football Association (FFA) Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Yusuf. In an exclusive interview with Times Sports, Yusuf outlined that the FFA has already invested over $350,000 in securing the necessary documentation to initiate the first phase of the stadium’s construction.
The project, supported by FIFA funding, aims to include not just a state-of-the-art stadium but also accommodation facilities to promote sports tourism. “We are exploring the possibility of hotel-type accommodation at the complex, allowing teams to stay and train at the academy simultaneously,” Yusuf said, noting the long-term vision for the facility to benefit future generations of athletes in Fiji.
Initially, the stadium was slated to accommodate 20,000 spectators, but after thorough feasibility studies, the decision was made to reduce the capacity to 15,000 seats. Yusuf explained, “Given Fiji’s weather conditions, the feasibility study suggested that anything larger would be underutilized, hence we are focusing on a 15,000-seat model.”
There have been suggestions from stakeholders to increase the seating to 25,000, but this would require FIFA’s approval due to the nature of the funding. “Any increase would necessitate FIFA’s consent, as they are the primary funding body for this project,” Yusuf confirmed.
The overall forecasted cost for the stadium is estimated at $20 million, with $15 million allocated from FIFA’s infrastructure development funding over four funding cycles from 2026 to 2029. The FFA plans to contribute an additional $5 million through bank loans, which will help ensure the project stays on track.
Yusuf indicated that the construction will proceed in three phases, with an expected completion date by 2029. “We aim to finish phase one by the end of 2027, phase two by late 2028, and phase three by the end of 2029. Should further funding become available, we may be able to accelerate the timeline,” he remarked.
This ambitious development not only envisions enhancing local sports infrastructure but also seeks to attract major competitions, ultimately generating income for the FFA and aiding in loan repayment. The initiative represents a significant step forward for football in Fiji, with a clear focus on fostering a sustainable sporting environment.
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