Fiji is poised to embark on a new journey into the realm of professional football, a significant milestone for the nation. The Fiji Football Association (FFA) board will convene in Nadi on Sunday to finalize plans for a team to compete in the upcoming OFC Pro League, which is set to commence in January 2026 and will last for four months.
Fiji FA’s chief executive officer, Mohammed Yusuf, shared insights about the plans, emphasizing the goal of establishing eight or more professional football teams within the league. As part of this initiative, Fiji intends to bid for the inclusion of two teams in the league, joining other Pacific island nations such as the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Tahiti, and New Zealand.
Moreover, there is interest from Football Australia and a team from Hawaii to join the competition, indicative of a growing regional engagement in the sport. This inclusion is anticipated to yield significant benefits, including increased visibility and competitive standards, economic growth, cultural ties, and additional developmental pathways for Pacific players.
The league will feature home-and-away matches, allowing Fijian teams to compete in Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and other Pacific islands, while also hosting games in Fiji. In preparation for this ambitious project, Fiji FA plans to hold a meeting in December with major companies to explore the formation of a consortium to manage the bid for the two teams. This consortium would oversee the operational aspects of the teams and could lead to opportunities for listing on the stock exchange.
Yusuf noted that while the franchise model is reminiscent of the Fijian Drua, which competes in Super Rugby Pacific, the Pro League is structured to run for four years. It is expected that initial broadcast revenues will support the OFC, with travel subsidies to help handle the anticipated costs.
The introduction of the Pro League comes at a pivotal time, as Oceania has secured its first guaranteed place at the World Cup finals following the tournament’s expansion. This opens the door for tremendous potential growth in football in the region, aligning with the OFC’s vision of fostering the sport’s development toward the 2026 World Cup.
With these plans in motion, the inception of professional football in Fiji not only holds promise for local players and fans but also for the broader development of soccer in the Pacific region. The forthcoming league could serve as a catalyst for growth, uniting communities through the love of the game while enhancing the standards of football in Oceania.
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