The 2026 Extra Premier League is poised to launch a transformative phase in Fiji’s football scene, heralding exciting changes as the landscape shifts from amateur to professional. With over 20 of Fiji’s elite footballers making the transition to the OFC Pro League, the movement marks a pivotal development that opens up a clear pathway for local players to pursue professional careers in football.
In response to this shift, the Fiji Football Association has introduced a youth quota policy aimed at nurturing emerging talent. This innovative regulation mandates that each team include three youth players—specifically, two aged under 19 and one under 17—in their starting lineup for every match, with at least one player required to participate for the entire 90 minutes. This initiative is designed to expedite the development of younger players, effectively filling the gap left by those who have moved to the professional circuit.
Football Association CEO Mohammed Yusuf has praised the enthusiastic compliance of district teams with this new youth quota. “Teams have registered players they plan to use and have prepared a diverse pool of players for each week, which is excellent, as it provides younger talents the opportunity to compete at the top level,” he stated.
The departure of players like those from Bula FC has raised concerns among ardent fans about the competition’s strength. However, Yusuf remains confident that the districts are brimming with talent capable of maintaining the league’s intensity. He emphasizes the potential for discovering new talent through the enforced youth participation, stating, “There will be zero impact on the league; only a few players have transitioned to Bula FC, and they will be replaced by players from last season’s bench who now have the chance to showcase their skills.”
The eagerly awaited Extra Premier League kicks off this Saturday, with Labasa FC set to face Nasinu FC at Subrail Park in Labasa, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting season filled with fresh talent and competitive spirit in Fiji’s football arena. As the league unfolds, the youth quota policy not only aims to elevate the standard of play but also fosters a new generation of footballers ready to shine on the professional stage.
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