OFC Professional League

coochiee

I guess a Brazilian (depending on where in Brazil they are from) is familiar with a city like Port Moresby with high crime

But it’s already been widely reported that for the new PNG NRL team to recruit some quality Aussie imports when they launch in 2028, they will need to pay them very very well, set them up with tax breaks etc etc

Cant remember where it said they were from the coach and think its 4 players. Probably living in compounds i would think

Plus complimentary transport

coochiee

I guess a Brazilian (depending on where in Brazil they are from) is familiar with a city like Port Moresby with high crime

But it’s already been widely reported that for the new PNG NRL team to recruit some quality Aussie imports when they launch in 2028, they will need to pay them very very well, set them up with tax breaks etc etc

 
You have to wonder how the local players will feel about the imports getting all that special treatment when they’re all working just as hard on the pitch, and what impact that will have.

Joke of a league! piss poor payment for "pro players". Gota wonder whose back pocket FIFA's billions are going into - it's clearly not going to the players!
Makes more sense now that AFC will be playing their u23 team, none of the senior pro's would get out of bed for that kind of money.
Which raises the question again, besides being a hub, what difference was there between AFC and the NIx's offering.

Let's be clear, I'm a musician, I'm aware that you'll accept starvation wages when chasing a dream, but when musos do it they're starving themselves and living on performance-enhancing drugs, which I don't think are an option in this case

theprof

Joke of a league! piss poor payment for "pro players". Gota wonder whose back pocket FIFA's billions are going into - it's clearly not going to the players!
Makes more sense now that AFC will be playing their u23 team, none of the senior pro's would get out of bed for that kind of money.
Which raises the question again, besides being a hub, what difference was there between AFC and the NIx's offering.

Some players might be getting it very much doubt the Brazilians have come for peanuts. 

Does anyone have the article or source of the Brazilians being signed? 

Edit - found it

League launch event in Auckland next Wednesday.

https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2025/10/22/brazilian-imports-boost-png-hekari-ahead-of-ofc-professional-league-launch/

Ambitious PNG Hekari have imported a head coach and three players from Brazil as part of their plan to earn a top four spot in next year’s inaugural OFC Professional League.

The club have rebranded from Hekari United to reflect their desire to represent all of Papua New Guinea, and have started training under newly-appointed head coach Marcos Gusmão.

PNG Hekari will be one of eight foundation clubs in the new OFC Professional League, bringing together clubs from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tahiti and Vanuatu.

New Zealand’s clubs will be Auckland FC and South Island United, a team established by Christchurch United.

Gusmão (59) returns to Papua New Guinea for the third time, having been the country’s national coach for their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, and in the mid-2000s.

The club has also signed three players from São Paulo, Brazil — Erick Joe (central defender), Kaûe Silva (striker), and Rafael Chaves (attacking midfielder). Each club in the OFC league can sign three foreign players, and three from other Oceania countries.

Brothers Jerry Sam and Jerry Allen, from the Solomon Islands, have also joined the coaching staff.

PNG Hekari have also signed veteran striker Raymond Gunemba (39), an experienced Papua New Guinea international, who has played for local clubs, and others in Australia (Geelong SC) and New Zealand (Hamilton Wanderers).

“I believe Raymond can be our marquee player because he comes from the same era as (former internationals) David Muta and Wira Wama, and we truly value that experience,” club director Vonnie Kapi Nato said.

“He brings great leadership and discipline,” she said.

“We had a meaningful chat where he told me, ‘This is a dream come true. I never expected this. I’m taking it from my heart to give everything I can — not just for Hekari, but for the country.’”

The club has updated its name and embraced a new brand logo in readiness for the OFC Professional League.

“This change is more than a name; it’s about bringing together fans and players from across the country while taking our football to a higher level both regionally and internationally,” general manager Wira Wama said.

PNG Kekari is growing its academy programmes, with centres in Port Moresby, Vanimo and Kokopo, with plans to expand across the country.

“Our academy kids will grow through the system, progress to the Premier League, and eventually join the Pro Team,” Wira Wama said.

“This pathway is not only for Hekari but for Papua New Guinea football as a whole.”

https://www.tiktok.com/@braadyoneill/video/7563705454812007694
Inside in the Christchurch United Trial match

NZKnowledge

https://www.tiktok.com/@braadyoneill/video/7563705454812007694
Inside in the Christchurch United Trial match

A 25 yr old American guy who was with Fencibles United AFC in Auckland this winter??
If it's the same chap, looks like he has played a bit of NISA (3rd-4th tier) stuff Stateside.

https://www.transfermarkt.com/brady-oneill/profil/spieler/1248982

Its just been announced the Oceania pro league is being financed by the Saudi Arabian Tourist board to the tune of $20 million USD.  So its not FIFA paying for this but one of the nastiest nations on the planet with a long record of terrible human rights violations. Im pleased the Nix are not involved in what is just a sports washing operation by the Saudis

austin111

Its just been announced the Oceania pro league is being financed by the Saudi Arabian Tourist board to the tune of $20 million USD.  So its not FIFA paying for this but one of the nastiest nations on the planet with a long record of terrible human rights violations. Im pleased the Nix are not involved in what is just a sports washing operation by the Saudis

Tainted before it’s even started.

Can't wait for the announcement of a hub in Riyadh. 😆

Managers won't get sacked, they'll be publicly executed. Possibly on TV.

austin111

Its just been announced the Oceania pro league is being financed by the Saudi Arabian Tourist board to the tune of $20 million USD.  So its not FIFA paying for this but one of the nastiest nations on the planet with a long record of terrible human rights violations. Im pleased the Nix are not involved in what is just a sports washing operation by the Saudis

And our owner didn't donate to any American fascists!

Bugger.

Far from ideal news.

But hey the Nix had Huawei as a front of shirt sponsor.

https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2025/10/27/saudi-tourism-body-to-invest-almost-nz35-million-in-new-ofc-pro-league/

The Saudi Tourism Authority will invest almost NZ$35 million to help start the new OFC Professional League.

The money will help underwrite the costs of the new eight-club competition during its first four years, starting in January 2026.

The US$20 million STA backing was revealed during the official launch of Fiji’s participating club, to be called Bula FC.

Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel said: “We are thankful for this investment, which makes professional football a reality in our region.”

The STA is using football as a way to promote Saudi Arabia as a tourism destination, and launched an international marketing campaign called ‘I Came for Football, I Stayed for More’ in September, starring football legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

The advertisements promote Saudi Arabia’s sports and entertainment events, as the nation gears up to host the 2034 FIFA Men’s World Cup, and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

During the launch of Bula FC, Patel confirmed the Fiji FA would be a key investor in the club, along with private investors.

The chairman of the club will be Mark McElrath, managing director of McDonald’s Fiji.

“This has been a dream of mine to see Fiji finally have a professional football club,” McElrath said.

“Bula represents welcome; it represents life, and in general, it represents all of us in this country.

“Bula FC is going to be a club that brings people together and brings football together in Fiji.”

In other announcements at the launch, the club confirmed that while the application to join the league was made by Bula Boys FC, the club will play as Bula FC.

Patel said this anticipated expansion of the league to include women’s teams.

“We know that as the professional league gets bigger, there will be not only male players. In the future we feel women will be there too,” he said.

“So instead of just Bula Boys, it will be Bula FC. This prepares us for the women’s professional league when it is added.”

The head coach for Bula will be Stéphane Auvray, who has also been named the new head coach of the Fiji men’s national team.

Big difference between a Chinese teleco and a nation that executes 100s of people people per year including a number of political prisoners.
Have a look at the Amnesty International site if you want the full picture

A telco that is basically run by the shadowy CCP.
But hey it's lot more difficuilt for an Al Jazeera TV crew to get into the Uyghur Autonomous Region than Yemen.

Amnesty International does not provide an estimated number of deaths per year in China because the Chinese government does not release this data, which is considered a state secret.

However, Amnesty International states that China executes more people than all other countries combined, with thousands of executions believed to have been carried out annually, a figure that is excluded from their global statistics. While the exact numbers are unknown, estimates from other sources suggest the number of executions has declined, though it remains the highest in the world.

No point on debating who are the baddest out of China or the Saudis. The fact is are people concerned that FIFA is blatently getting the Saudis to fully fund a FIFA program? We all know FIFA is corrupt. This is just part of the deal that got FIFA to corrupt the playoffs of the Asia conf WC qualification to ensure that the Saudis qualify. This is obviously the pay back. The Saudis have to pay for the Oceania pro league

What has AI said about NZ in the past?

austin111

Big difference between a Chinese teleco and a nation that executes 100s of people people per year including a number of political prisoners.
Have a look at the Amnesty International site if you want the full picture

Napier Phoenix

What has AI said about NZ in the past?

austin111

Big difference between a Chinese teleco and a nation that executes 100s of people people per year including a number of political prisoners.
Have a look at the Amnesty International site if you want the full picture

For clarity, Amnesty International has criticized the Government for discriminatory migration policies affecting Pacific peoples, particularly those displaced by climate change. AI has highlighted visa criteria exclude individuals based on age, disability, and health, violating human rights and separating families. It condemned legislative changes undermining Māori rights, including the abolition of the Māori Health Authority and proposed Treaty Principles reforms. Additionally, it raised concerns about New Zealand’s declining climate performance and environmental protections, warning that fast-track development laws and renewed offshore drilling plans threaten the right to a healthy environment.

Let’s not be hypocritical either: if it was through FIFA it was always likely to be Saudi money, like the club World Cup, and the recent World Cup bid. This is a money pit which is unlikely to be profitable any time soon. FIFA likes making a profit. Any charity work means assistance and an ulterior motive. 

That in recent times has meant the PGIF. 

Well if anyone is going to benefit from Saudi sport washing, I’m glad it’s these small pacific countries economies rather then an already million dollar earning sports man.

Also a lot less likely then a China coming and actually taking over their country.

Im sure this deal will be noticed in Canberra and Wellington. Both countries have been alarmed by foreign powers (China mainly) intrusion into the South Pacific.
The Saudis are not doing this for charity. They will want some return for their investment. They will now have quite some leverage over the Oceania Confed. Which could be handy if there is discussions coming up on the future of the Asian Confed and a possible break away by the East Asian nations led by Japan.
As always the poor Pacific nations will just be pawns in someone elses power games.

https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2025/10/23/the-five-men-who-ranked-the-applicants-for-the-new-ofc-professional-league/

This came out a few days ago but I haven't seen it posted here. 

OFC have revealed the members  of the licensing committee as well as the licensing regulations document and the competition regulations

Edit: the Competition Regulations PDF link on Friends of Football doesn't currently go anywhere - but the can be accessed here: https://www.oceaniafootball.com/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/OFC-Professional-League-Competition-Regulations.pdf

I've had a read through of the competition Guidelines document (Didn't read everything in depth, skimmed over some parts) But I've listed some of the things in it I found interesting 

- First of all I noticed a few mistakes - one of which was that in the list of participating clubs they accidentally listed Hekari United twice and left off Solomon Kings! 

-In terms of the squad stuff it seems pretty much as expected:
 - Squads can be up to 23 players (No less than 20)
 - Must have at least 3 goalkeepers
 - Up to 3 foreign visa players
 - Up to an additional 3 foreign visa players who are from another OFC nation 

- As has been reported Auckland are limited to a squad of Under 23 players (who must be 23 or below on June 1 2026) and 3 over age players. 

- Clubs are allowed an injury reserve list of up to 30 players who must be 21 or younger (as of 31st December 2025) and must be from the OFC nation of that club. These players can only participate if a player from the actual squad suffers an injury or illness that will prevent them playing for the rest of the season. 

- Section 32 is all about VAR - "OFC shall ensure that each Match venue is fitted with such equipment as is necessary to enable the use
 of VAR in each scheduled Match, to the standards required by FIFA." 

So they intend to have VAR in all matches for this competition. 

- Prize money appears to have not been determined yet but the winner will receive 25% (of whatever the prize pot ends up being), the runner up gets 15% and everyone else gets 10% 

Also there is a bunch of regulations detailing how much of Club World Cup and Intercontinental Cup prize money a club can keep and how much is given to OFC and the rest of the Pro League's clubs

Good summary.

Had a Quick look - it’s a very detailed document even outlining how much water is provided to each player.

In terms of prize money, the club who makes the Intercontinental Cup keeps the first US$500k and then gives 60% of anything above to OFC while they pocket the remaining 40%.

Seems for the Club World Cup, they just give 10% and pocket the 90.

Definitely good coin for the club each year who wins the thing.

For what's worth these are the 5 men who made up the committe to select the 8 initial clubs. None on them will be on David Dome's Christmas card list.

Something about lawyers & Domey not getting along.

https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2025/10/23/the-five-men-who-ranked-the-applicants-for-the-new-ofc-professional-league/

OFC have shared details of the five members of their OFC Professional League club licensing committee, and released a copy of their licensing regulations.

OFC say the licensing committee was formed on June 13, 2025, “as a wholly independent body to ensure objectivity, transparency, accountability and fairness throughout the assessment process..

“The committee was assisted by the outstanding work done by the operational staff and advisors of the OFC, who were highly professional and instrumental in the committee’s work.”

The five members of the independent committee are:

Earl Cochrane is a Canadian national and sports strategy advisor. He is the founder and chief executive of Kinova Consulting & Solutions, a sports and entertainment consulting firm incorporated in Canada.

Noel Mooney is an Irish sports official currently serving as the chief executive, board member, and secretary of the Football Association of Wales (FAW). He is also a member of the United Kingdom and Ireland 2028 board for the UEFA Euro 2028 championships, UEFA national associations committee, and International Football Association Board (IFAB).

Mauro Barsi is a New Zealand-based legal consultant and executive leader with more than two decades of experience in law, governance, and strategic leadership.

Nilesh Sharma is an Indian lawyer currently serving as the principal partner of the Fiji-based law firm Nilesh Sharma Lawyers.

Charles Handler is an Australia-based lawyer currently serving as a legal counsel and member protection officer for Football Victoria.

“Each member is a vastly experienced professional from across the football industry, each bringing unique expertise in areas such as club licencing, governance, sports administration, financial management, legal compliance, integrity and security, and safeguarding,” OFC say.

https://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc-pro-league-teams-confirmed/

The launch event for the OFC Pro League will be available to stream live and free on FIFA+, beginning 7:30pm (NZT) on Wednesday October 29.

https://www.plus.fifa.com/en/content/0bbd3d1f-c201-4429-b634-24557719fdf9?gl=jp

Having another read of the guidelines, there is obviously nothing stoping the movement of A league players for AFC between squads, provided they continue to abide by only having 3 overage players, the rest under 23 and only three imports at any one time.

I believe the squad regulations are being misread here – Auckland FC are not limited to a squad of under-23 players plus three overage players. 

The only special limitation is with regard to them using A-League Men players in this competition – they can include any number of under-23 players from their ALM squad in their OFC PL squad, but can only include three over-23 players from their ALM squad. 

The question for them then is how many of their 23 OFC PL squad places they use on ALM squad members who might not always be available for OFC PL matches.

Pretty crisp stuff from Vanuatu United. Best club crest in the league so far by a mile.

Screenshot_20251029_165212_Instagram.jpg 2.86 MB

Pivoting my support towards them when this thing kicks off.

austin111

No point on debating who are the baddest out of China or the Saudis. The fact is are people concerned that FIFA is blatently getting the Saudis to fully fund a FIFA program? We all know FIFA is corrupt. This is just part of the deal that got FIFA to corrupt the playoffs of the Asia conf WC qualification to ensure that the Saudis qualify. This is obviously the pay back. The Saudis have to pay for the Oceania pro league

Honestly, who gives a shark? Without this there is no pro football in Oceania.

Monto

austin111

No point on debating who are the baddest out of China or the Saudis. The fact is are people concerned that FIFA is blatently getting the Saudis to fully fund a FIFA program? We all know FIFA is corrupt. This is just part of the deal that got FIFA to corrupt the playoffs of the Asia conf WC qualification to ensure that the Saudis qualify. This is obviously the pay back. The Saudis have to pay for the Oceania pro league

Honestly, who gives a shark? Without this there is no pro football in Oceania.

I mean, basically. We can’t scratch professional sport at the top levels without finding questionable practices and the more money involved, the worse it gets. 

While one version of the old tale is the factory owner funded the local team to give workers something to do on their half day Sunday, there’s another version. 
 
That’s here it isn’t a local factory owner, but an international conglomerate arrived to do business and it funds the local sports club to get folk who’ll overlook them poisoning the river that flows through town or dumping rubbish in pristine countryside. Don’t ask about mines and smelters etc.

Hopefully once this ball gets rolling there’s a way to keep it going that retains a bit of island control and a few long sighted locals work out how to get money out by getting more people interested, traveling to their island for a luxury beach cabin and soccer festival or however…something that can be sustained! Not that New Zealand has a model for that…

So Eden park will host the first round of matches and the final.

Crazy as if you cracked 10k for the first round it would be a surprise but more like 5k will be likely.

Have chosen a 50k stadium over a 25k one.

It’s going to look empty 

Would also have thought that Mt Smart would be much more convenient for the large pacific population in southern auckland.

Not a great start.

First signing unveiled by Vanuatu United, and its a pretty decent one in Matt Acton.

Screenshot_20251030_125226_Instagram.jpg 386.25 KB

https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2025/10/30/aucklands-eden-park-to-host-januarys-opening-games-in-new-ofc-pro-league/

The opening games in the new OFC Pro League will be played at Auckland’s Eden Park on January 17, 2026.

The stadium will host the first round of matches, involving all eight foundation clubs, as well as the league’s grand final in May 2026.

These details were confirmed at a launch event held by the Oceania Football Confederation at Eden Park to introduce the participating clubs, and to share information about the inaugural competition.

The start date, originally set for January 10, has been put back a week.

The competition will be played on a circuit, with teams playing three matches each in Auckland, Port Moresby, Melbourne, Honiara and Fiji, before the competition splits into a top four and bottom four competition to decide the semi-finalists, and then the finalists.

The winner of the league will represent Oceania at the 2026 FIFA International Cup, and the best-performing team over the first three seasons will qualify for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.

Meanwhile, OFC have declined to comment on reports that the Saudi Tourism Authority will invest almost NZ$35 million into the league over its first four years.

“The details of all commercial partnerships pertaining to the OFC Professional League are subject to formal confirmation and will be announced jointly in due course,’’ an OFC spokesperson said.

Ed Sheeran is playing at Mt Smart in mid January. That was likely an issue.
Auckland FC weren't keen on sharing NHS with 7 other football teams for 2 weeks? Moana Pasika Super Rugby team I'm guessing train out there as well.

But AP is right they will be lucky to hit a max 10K crowd at Eden Park on opening day.

The Port diehards, some travelling South Island football fans, and Papatoetoe's Fijian Indian community.

Don't think is any large Vanuatu, PNG, Solomons or Tahitian expat communities in Auckland.

The crowds will look better in the Island hubs in their smaller stadia - at least when the home teams play.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360866214/oceania-football-boss-ducks-saudi-funding-questions-reveals-ambitious-plans-pro-league-launch

While OFC is yet to announce the match schedule for the Pro League, it is understood Auckland FC and South Island United are likely to meet for the first time on the opening day.

South Island United general manager Ryan Edwards said the prospect of playing at Eden Park was “special“.

“I think it does create a moment where the public can go, oh, this is a proper deal, and it gives that status and that gravitas that the league deserves.”

Auckland FC chief executive Nick Becker was more circumspect.

“Filling Eden Park is a challenge for any team outside of the ones that wear the Silver Fern, so it'll be a hard one to pack out for sure, but I think I'm sure they've looked at what's available in terms of stadiums and they've had to make this decision.”