https://www.oceaniafootball.com/express ... hers-pace/
Expressions of interest from Australian clubs welcomed as OFC Professional League gathers pace
8 November 2024 OFCMedia4
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek
The Oceania Football Confederation’s (OFC) strong partnership with Football Australia and the Australian Government has paved the way for inviting Australian-based clubs to express their interest in participating in the OFC Professional League, set to kick off in 2026.
OFC’s consideration of an Australian based club reflects the strong Pacific communities across Australia and the ease of travel access to Pacific nations. This inclusion also brings significant benefits, including increased visibility and market reach, enhanced competitive standards, stronger economic and cultural links, and new development pathways for Pacific players. An Australian team would also help strengthen regional ties, inspire new partnership opportunities, and contribute to the growth of football across Oceania.
OFC, along with Football Australia are pleased to invite parties interested in learning more about the concept to a briefing session in Brisbane on Tuesday, November 12, at 6.00pm local. The event will be held at the Rydges South Bank Hotel in the Podium 5 Meeting Room.
Parties wishing to attend the briefing session-either in person or by video link-are requested to register by email at media@oceaniafootball.com.
Background and Context
In 2019, the OFC Executive Committee set out to determine the viability of a professional competition for men’s football in the Oceania Region.
This is a key component of the OFC Vision to have two teams from the Oceania region participate and compete at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 26™ and a crucial chapter in the OFC Strategy 2023-2026.
As part of this, an OFC Professional League Taskforce was formed, comprising of several key figures from the Region and beyond, all with expertise in professionalisation of sport and charged with determining the validity and feasibility of this new premier competition.
The OFC Professional League Taskforce has been supplemented with independent advisory members in various disciplines, ensuring all information gathered is variable, helpful and facilitates progress in the formation of the league in 2026.
What is the OFC Professional League?
The OFC Professional League is a forward-thinking initiative designed to propel football in Oceania to new heights, create meaningful opportunities for players and clubs, and establish a professional structure that can compete at a global level.
This league will create essential pathways for talent development, allowing young players to grow within a professional environment and reducing the need to seek opportunities abroad. By fostering professional structures, it enhances player and club development while stimulating economic growth through sponsorships and local business engagement.
Beyond football, the league strengthens community ties and regional unity, promoting shared growth and collaboration among OFC Member Associations. It also increases the Region’s visibility, attracting international recognition and opportunities, aligning with OFC’s strategic goals to professionalise football and create a sustainable, high-quality product that benefits players, clubs and fans alike.
This is a new standalone competition that would run in addition to the current OFC Men’s Champions League as well as the national domestic leagues across OFC’s Member Associations.
How will it work?
The OFC Executive Committee has been presented with a variety of formats that are suitable for a competition that would span several countries across the Pacific.
It is a key outcome of the OFC Professional League that all Member Associations are part of this ongoing professionalisation of the sport, providing opportunities for clubs, coaches, referees, and administrators, promoting good governance off the field, and rewarding exceptional performance on the field.
The eventual formation and composition of the league would be established in a way which would enhance the current national domestic league set-up across each Member Association and ensure players can play at the highest possible level for longer.
2025 OFC club competitions (OFC Men's Champions League, OFC Professional League)
2025 OFC club competitions (OFC Men's Champions League, OFC Professional League)
Last edited by amenina on Tue Dec 10, 2024 09:35, edited 1 time in total.
https://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc-pro ... in-riyadh/
OFC Professional League presented at World Football Summit in Riyadh
3 December 2024 OFC Media
The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) proudly presented the transformative OFC Professional League at the prestigious World Football Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in a landmark moment for football in the Pacific.
Led by OFC General Secretary Franck Castillo, the presentation highlighted how the OFC Professional League is set to revolutionise football across the region. As the first professional league of its kind in Oceania, it represents a bold step forward in creating an aspirational environment for clubs and players, inspiring youth, and paving the way for professional opportunities.
The league’s scope spans across the Pacific, with expansion into Australia and Hawaii, offering connectivity to Asia and the U.S. It aligns with OFC’s strategic pillars of development, education, and high performance, focusing on professionalising the sport, improving infrastructure, and driving socio-economic impact through commercial partnerships and community engagement.
The presentation underscored the league’s broader vision—not just about football, but about uniting communities, fostering talent, and inspiring dreams across Oceania. This initiative is a significant milestone in OFC’s journey to elevate football and build a legacy that benefits players, fans and communities alike.
The OFC Professional League is poised to take football in the Pacific to unprecedented heights, leaving a lasting impact on the global stage.
OFC Professional League presented at World Football Summit in Riyadh
3 December 2024 OFC Media
The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) proudly presented the transformative OFC Professional League at the prestigious World Football Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in a landmark moment for football in the Pacific.
Led by OFC General Secretary Franck Castillo, the presentation highlighted how the OFC Professional League is set to revolutionise football across the region. As the first professional league of its kind in Oceania, it represents a bold step forward in creating an aspirational environment for clubs and players, inspiring youth, and paving the way for professional opportunities.
The league’s scope spans across the Pacific, with expansion into Australia and Hawaii, offering connectivity to Asia and the U.S. It aligns with OFC’s strategic pillars of development, education, and high performance, focusing on professionalising the sport, improving infrastructure, and driving socio-economic impact through commercial partnerships and community engagement.
The presentation underscored the league’s broader vision—not just about football, but about uniting communities, fostering talent, and inspiring dreams across Oceania. This initiative is a significant milestone in OFC’s journey to elevate football and build a legacy that benefits players, fans and communities alike.
The OFC Professional League is poised to take football in the Pacific to unprecedented heights, leaving a lasting impact on the global stage.
Anyone have any guess how this competition work?
From what I have read, it may be like Indian Premier League cricket, franchise-based instead of club-based. Teams draft players of the Oceania region, and play the competition for a period of time. After that, the players return to their original clubs.
The OFC Men's Champions League will continue to exist and decide the club champion of the Oceania region.
https://x.com/OFCfootball/status/1866321471477297160
The official draw for the OFC Men's Champions League 2025 takes place tomorrow, at 1:00pm (NZT).
Watch at the OFC website or on our YouTube channel to see who will be facing off in Solomon Islands next year!
The official draw for the OFC Men's Champions League 2025 takes place tomorrow, at 1:00pm (NZT).
Watch at the OFC website or on our YouTube channel to see who will be facing off in Solomon Islands next year!
https://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc-com ... -for-2025/
OFC Men’s Champions League 2025 – Qualifying | Cook Islands, 8-14 February
OFC Men’s Champions League 2025 | Fiji, Dates TBC
(Looks like they have moved to Solomon Islands)
OFC Pro League – Launch Tournament | TBC, 20-31 October
OFC Men’s Champions League 2025 – Qualifying | Cook Islands, 8-14 February
OFC Men’s Champions League 2025 | Fiji, Dates TBC
(Looks like they have moved to Solomon Islands)
OFC Pro League – Launch Tournament | TBC, 20-31 October
https://www.oceaniafootball.com/officia ... ague-2025/
Official Draw | OFC Men's Champions League 2025
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=r6ydPnVQEJE
Official Draw | OFC Men's Champions League 2025
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=r6ydPnVQEJE
Last edited by amenina on Wed Dec 11, 2024 04:27, edited 1 time in total.
https://www.oceaniafootball.com/draw-co ... ague-2025/
DRAW CONFIRMED FOR OFC MEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2025
The draw for the OFC Men’s Champions League 2025 has been made today, at the OFC Home of Football – Te Kahu o Kiwa in Auckland, New Zealand.
Three teams will contest the OFC Men’s Champions League – Qualifying 2025 tournament, to be held in the Cook Islands from February 8-14 – Royal Puma FC of American Samoa, Vaipuna SC of Samoa and Tupapa Maraerenga FC of Cook Islands.
The winner will advance to the OFC Men’s Champions League 2025, which will take place in Solomon Islands, from March 30 to April 12. The full draw can be seen below.
The full match schedule and participating teams will be confirmed at a later date.
DRAW CONFIRMED FOR OFC MEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2025
The draw for the OFC Men’s Champions League 2025 has been made today, at the OFC Home of Football – Te Kahu o Kiwa in Auckland, New Zealand.
Three teams will contest the OFC Men’s Champions League – Qualifying 2025 tournament, to be held in the Cook Islands from February 8-14 – Royal Puma FC of American Samoa, Vaipuna SC of Samoa and Tupapa Maraerenga FC of Cook Islands.
The winner will advance to the OFC Men’s Champions League 2025, which will take place in Solomon Islands, from March 30 to April 12. The full draw can be seen below.
The full match schedule and participating teams will be confirmed at a later date.
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MercedesBenz240
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I'm guessing there are no pots? It looks like they put all the better teams in one group.
Yes, there was no seeding in either draw. All teams were drawn from one pot.MercedesBenz240 wrote: Wed Dec 11, 2024 12:12 I'm guessing there are no pots? It looks like they put all the better teams in one group.
And yes, this is very lopsided draw. The four countries whose clubs reach the semi-finals of the 2024 edition, and whose national teams reach the WCQ final round next year, are all in Group A.
https://www.oceaniafootball.com/new-ofc ... appointed/
New OFC Professional League Project Manager appointed
19 December 2024 OFC Media
OFC has appointed Stuart Larman as the new Project Manager for the upcoming OFC Professional League, to kick-off in early 2026.
The OFC Professional League is poised to take football in the Pacific to unprecedented heights, leaving a lasting impact on the global stage.
The league’s scope spans across the Pacific, with expansion into Australia and Hawaii, offering connectivity to Asia and the U.S. It aligns with OFC’s strategic pillars of development, education, and high performance, focusing on professionalising the sport, improving infrastructure, and driving socio-economic impact through commercial partnerships and community engagement.
Larman, who has previously held roles at FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is looking forward to driving this new era of football in the Pacific and the numerous positive impacts it can have on the region.
“I think the OFC Pro League is the most exciting football development project in the world at this point in time. I was fortunate to have been involved in the Task Force when it was established, and it has been interesting to see how far the project has evolved.
“Coming back into the project now, with the momentum of the final stages of establishing the league, will be exhilarating,” he said.
As the first professional league of its kind in Oceania, it represents a bold step forward in creating an aspirational environment for clubs and players, inspiring youth, and paving the way for professional opportunities.
“This league will be something that creates new opportunities for football in the whole region – both on and off the pitch.
“Professional football is not just employing players on a full-time basis, it is about having professional structures and environments for those players to truly maximise their potential, all supported by commercially-driven, community-orientated business operations.,” Larman explained.
Expressions of interest for the OFC Professional League will open next month.
New OFC Professional League Project Manager appointed
19 December 2024 OFC Media
OFC has appointed Stuart Larman as the new Project Manager for the upcoming OFC Professional League, to kick-off in early 2026.
The OFC Professional League is poised to take football in the Pacific to unprecedented heights, leaving a lasting impact on the global stage.
The league’s scope spans across the Pacific, with expansion into Australia and Hawaii, offering connectivity to Asia and the U.S. It aligns with OFC’s strategic pillars of development, education, and high performance, focusing on professionalising the sport, improving infrastructure, and driving socio-economic impact through commercial partnerships and community engagement.
Larman, who has previously held roles at FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is looking forward to driving this new era of football in the Pacific and the numerous positive impacts it can have on the region.
“I think the OFC Pro League is the most exciting football development project in the world at this point in time. I was fortunate to have been involved in the Task Force when it was established, and it has been interesting to see how far the project has evolved.
“Coming back into the project now, with the momentum of the final stages of establishing the league, will be exhilarating,” he said.
As the first professional league of its kind in Oceania, it represents a bold step forward in creating an aspirational environment for clubs and players, inspiring youth, and paving the way for professional opportunities.
“This league will be something that creates new opportunities for football in the whole region – both on and off the pitch.
“Professional football is not just employing players on a full-time basis, it is about having professional structures and environments for those players to truly maximise their potential, all supported by commercially-driven, community-orientated business operations.,” Larman explained.
Expressions of interest for the OFC Professional League will open next month.
https://www.oceaniafootball.com/new-zea ... -auckland/
NEW ZEALAND CLUBS INTERESTED IN JOINING OFC PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE TO MEET IN AUCKLAND
28 JANUARY 2025 OFC MEDIA
The Oceania Football Confederation Home of Football – ‘Te Kahu O’Kiwa’ in Auckland, will host a meeting with New Zealand clubs, interested in joining the new OFC Professional League, tomorrow Wednesday, January 29.
New OFC Professional League Manager Stuart Larman has arrived in New Zealand from the United Kingdom and will brief clubs around the application process and timeline for the league, which is slated to kick off in January 2026.
Australian clubs were briefed late last year and there have been further briefings held with other OFC Member Association clubs.
Expressions of interest open next month with OFC aiming to be in a position by July to recommend teams to the OFC Executive Committee, with the confirmed teams finalised by the end of September.
Background and Context
In 2019, the OFC Executive Committee set out to determine the viability of a professional competition for men’s football in the Oceania region.
This is a key component of the OFC Vision to have two teams from the Oceania region qualify for the FIFA World Cup 26™ and a crucial element of the OFC Strategy 2023-2026.
As part of this, an OFC Professional League Taskforce was formed, comprising of several key figures from the region and beyond, all with expertise in professionalisation of sport and charged with determining the validity and feasibility of this new premier competition.
The OFC Professional League Taskforce has been supplemented with independent advisory members in various disciplines, ensuring all information gathered is variable, helpful and facilitates progress in the formation of the league in 2026.
What is the OFC Professional League?
The OFC Professional League is a forward-thinking initiative designed to propel football in Oceania to new heights, create meaningful opportunities for players and clubs, and establish a professional structure that can compete at a global level.
This league will create essential pathways for talent development, allowing young players to grow within a professional environment and reducing the need to seek opportunities abroad. By fostering professional structures, it enhances player and club development while stimulating economic growth through sponsorships and local business engagement.
Beyond football, the league will strengthen community ties and regional unity, promoting shared growth and collaboration among OFC Member Associations. It also increases the region’s visibility, attracting international recognition and opportunities, aligning with OFC’s strategic goals to professionalise football and create a sustainable, high-quality product that benefits players, clubs and fans alike.
This is a new standalone competition that would run in addition to the current OFC Men’s Champions League as well as the national domestic leagues across OFC’s Member Associations.
How will it work?
The OFC Executive Committee has been presented with a variety of formats that are suitable for a competition that would span several countries across the Pacific.
It is a key outcome of the OFC Professional League that all Member Associations are part of this ongoing professionalisation of the sport, providing opportunities for clubs, coaches, referees, and administrators, promoting good governance off the field, and rewarding exceptional performance on the field.
The eventual formation and format of the league will be established in a way that will enhance the current national domestic league set-up across each Member Association and ensure players can play at the highest possible level for longer.
The OFC Professional League will determine which team qualifies for the FIFA Club World Cup™ 2029 and the annual FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
NEW ZEALAND CLUBS INTERESTED IN JOINING OFC PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE TO MEET IN AUCKLAND
28 JANUARY 2025 OFC MEDIA
The Oceania Football Confederation Home of Football – ‘Te Kahu O’Kiwa’ in Auckland, will host a meeting with New Zealand clubs, interested in joining the new OFC Professional League, tomorrow Wednesday, January 29.
New OFC Professional League Manager Stuart Larman has arrived in New Zealand from the United Kingdom and will brief clubs around the application process and timeline for the league, which is slated to kick off in January 2026.
Australian clubs were briefed late last year and there have been further briefings held with other OFC Member Association clubs.
Expressions of interest open next month with OFC aiming to be in a position by July to recommend teams to the OFC Executive Committee, with the confirmed teams finalised by the end of September.
Background and Context
In 2019, the OFC Executive Committee set out to determine the viability of a professional competition for men’s football in the Oceania region.
This is a key component of the OFC Vision to have two teams from the Oceania region qualify for the FIFA World Cup 26™ and a crucial element of the OFC Strategy 2023-2026.
As part of this, an OFC Professional League Taskforce was formed, comprising of several key figures from the region and beyond, all with expertise in professionalisation of sport and charged with determining the validity and feasibility of this new premier competition.
The OFC Professional League Taskforce has been supplemented with independent advisory members in various disciplines, ensuring all information gathered is variable, helpful and facilitates progress in the formation of the league in 2026.
What is the OFC Professional League?
The OFC Professional League is a forward-thinking initiative designed to propel football in Oceania to new heights, create meaningful opportunities for players and clubs, and establish a professional structure that can compete at a global level.
This league will create essential pathways for talent development, allowing young players to grow within a professional environment and reducing the need to seek opportunities abroad. By fostering professional structures, it enhances player and club development while stimulating economic growth through sponsorships and local business engagement.
Beyond football, the league will strengthen community ties and regional unity, promoting shared growth and collaboration among OFC Member Associations. It also increases the region’s visibility, attracting international recognition and opportunities, aligning with OFC’s strategic goals to professionalise football and create a sustainable, high-quality product that benefits players, clubs and fans alike.
This is a new standalone competition that would run in addition to the current OFC Men’s Champions League as well as the national domestic leagues across OFC’s Member Associations.
How will it work?
The OFC Executive Committee has been presented with a variety of formats that are suitable for a competition that would span several countries across the Pacific.
It is a key outcome of the OFC Professional League that all Member Associations are part of this ongoing professionalisation of the sport, providing opportunities for clubs, coaches, referees, and administrators, promoting good governance off the field, and rewarding exceptional performance on the field.
The eventual formation and format of the league will be established in a way that will enhance the current national domestic league set-up across each Member Association and ensure players can play at the highest possible level for longer.
The OFC Professional League will determine which team qualifies for the FIFA Club World Cup™ 2029 and the annual FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
OFC Men's Champions League 2025 - Qualifying
Fixtures: https://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc-men ... ualifying/
Fixtures: https://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc-men ... ualifying/
https://www.oceaniafootball.com/how-to- ... ualifying/
How to Watch | OFC Men’s Champions League 2025 – Qualifying
The OFC Men’s Champions League 2025 – Qualifying kicks off in the Cook Islands on Saturday, February 8 (local time).
Every match is available to watch LIVE and FREE on FIFA+
https://www.plus.fifa.com/en/showcase/o ... c8e2dff131
Download the FIFA+ app on the App Store or Google Play
All kick-off times shown as local Cook Islands time and New Zealand time.
Saturday, February 8 / Sunday, February 9
Royal Puma FC v Vaipuna SC, 3:00pm / 2:00pm | WATCH LIVE
Tuesday, February 11 / Wednesday, February 12
Royal Puma FC v Tupapa Maraerenga FC, 3:00pm / 2:00pm | WATCH LIVE
Friday, February 14 / Saturday, February 15
Vaipuna SC v Tupapa Maraerenga FC, 3:00pm / 2:00pm | WATCH LIVE
How to Watch | OFC Men’s Champions League 2025 – Qualifying
The OFC Men’s Champions League 2025 – Qualifying kicks off in the Cook Islands on Saturday, February 8 (local time).
Every match is available to watch LIVE and FREE on FIFA+
https://www.plus.fifa.com/en/showcase/o ... c8e2dff131
Download the FIFA+ app on the App Store or Google Play
All kick-off times shown as local Cook Islands time and New Zealand time.
Saturday, February 8 / Sunday, February 9
Royal Puma FC v Vaipuna SC, 3:00pm / 2:00pm | WATCH LIVE
Tuesday, February 11 / Wednesday, February 12
Royal Puma FC v Tupapa Maraerenga FC, 3:00pm / 2:00pm | WATCH LIVE
Friday, February 14 / Saturday, February 15
Vaipuna SC v Tupapa Maraerenga FC, 3:00pm / 2:00pm | WATCH LIVE
https://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc-men ... k-islands/
OFC Men’s Champions League place up for grabs in the Cook Islands
The final qualifying place for the OFC Men’s Champions League 2025 will be determined in the Cook Islands over the next seven days, with three sides vying to book their place in Group B in the Solomon Islands next month.
Hosts Tupapa Maraerenga FC are joined by American Samoa’s Royal Puma FC and Vaipuna SC from Samoa, with so much on the line in OFC’s first competition of 2025.
For Tupapa, it represents a rare opportunity to play on home soil, with the last time the Cook Islands hosted an OFC competition being almost ten years ago in 2016.
Coach Tuka Tisam – who led Cook Islands in their FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers campaign – is hoping that the chance to play at home can be a motivating factor for this squad.
“Yeah, it’s going to be a lot of pressure on us [playing at home], so we’re going to have to make sure we perform.
“I think the boys will take on that pressure and hopefully they’ll perform well in front of a home crowd,” Tisam said.
They will have to wait however, as match day one sees Royal Puma and Vaipuna meet, with the chance to steal a march in this shortened qualifying format.
Royal Puma coach Paul Ualesi is confident his side has prepared well and are ready for the challenge that awaits when they face the team that many have down as pre-tournament favourites.
“I believe in my team, I think they are going to show some real talent and show what they’re capable of in this tournament.
“It’s a incredible honour to represent American Samoa – i’m filled with pride. We’re the underdogs here, so expectations are low but there’s high potential for a surprise as well,” he said.
On the opposite bench come Saturday will be Faapopo Iamafana, leading Vaipua SC. The Samoans are seen as the strongest side of the three but nothing is being taken for granted and preparations are well in hand ahead of their huge opening match against Royal Puma on Friday afternoon.
“Preparations have been good. The team are well prepared both physically and mentally for the tournament,” Iamafana said.
“We’ve had the players together all throughout last season in Samoa, so in terms of preparation it really began back at the beginning of last year,” the coach explained.
With only three teams in the running, there’s little margin for error and no time to get up to speed. Whoever manages to hit the ground running, may very well be the side that finds themselves on the plane to Honiara come March.
OFC Men’s Champions League place up for grabs in the Cook Islands
The final qualifying place for the OFC Men’s Champions League 2025 will be determined in the Cook Islands over the next seven days, with three sides vying to book their place in Group B in the Solomon Islands next month.
Hosts Tupapa Maraerenga FC are joined by American Samoa’s Royal Puma FC and Vaipuna SC from Samoa, with so much on the line in OFC’s first competition of 2025.
For Tupapa, it represents a rare opportunity to play on home soil, with the last time the Cook Islands hosted an OFC competition being almost ten years ago in 2016.
Coach Tuka Tisam – who led Cook Islands in their FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers campaign – is hoping that the chance to play at home can be a motivating factor for this squad.
“Yeah, it’s going to be a lot of pressure on us [playing at home], so we’re going to have to make sure we perform.
“I think the boys will take on that pressure and hopefully they’ll perform well in front of a home crowd,” Tisam said.
They will have to wait however, as match day one sees Royal Puma and Vaipuna meet, with the chance to steal a march in this shortened qualifying format.
Royal Puma coach Paul Ualesi is confident his side has prepared well and are ready for the challenge that awaits when they face the team that many have down as pre-tournament favourites.
“I believe in my team, I think they are going to show some real talent and show what they’re capable of in this tournament.
“It’s a incredible honour to represent American Samoa – i’m filled with pride. We’re the underdogs here, so expectations are low but there’s high potential for a surprise as well,” he said.
On the opposite bench come Saturday will be Faapopo Iamafana, leading Vaipua SC. The Samoans are seen as the strongest side of the three but nothing is being taken for granted and preparations are well in hand ahead of their huge opening match against Royal Puma on Friday afternoon.
“Preparations have been good. The team are well prepared both physically and mentally for the tournament,” Iamafana said.
“We’ve had the players together all throughout last season in Samoa, so in terms of preparation it really began back at the beginning of last year,” the coach explained.
With only three teams in the running, there’s little margin for error and no time to get up to speed. Whoever manages to hit the ground running, may very well be the side that finds themselves on the plane to Honiara come March.