Good summation. It could be any of those 3 issues, or combinations of all.
OFC boss Lawrence Maltock is also the President of Vanuatu Football Federation and a Senior Vice President of FIFA. You'd hope he'd be trying to bring some serious professionalism to Vanuatu United setup.
This is a new league starting from scratch, spread over thousands of kilometres, different time zones, languages and cultures. Plus yes many players new to professional football, and what that actually means.
OFC legend Christian Karembeu talks about New Caledonian players coming to France, and consistently turning up late to club trainings, as they had literally never in their lives prior, lived according to a clock. Basic life shark that is engrained in us.
There was always going to be teething problems setting up a new league from scratch. FIFA should really have be in there using their experiance to guide some of these clubs in their set ups. There could be some one sided games initially between sides who are familiar with the pro game and others that start the tournament less well prepared. I really hope its going to work or it will be a bad look for Oceania
Yeah I give this league 3 seasons, maybe 4/5 if they really wanna push for CWC. Insane how things are already going wrong
Bit much to be making such a call because of incompetence within one club.
Definitely a harsh reaction from me but I've had similar estimates for a while, not just because of this. Also I think you're understating one club being incompetent. There's only eight clubs in total, one club having major issues like this so early on is objectively an issue for everyone
Don’t want to say it but the island nations overall in both football and union over the years have a bit of rep of struggling to deal with professional teams in any capacity.
It’s just one of those things. Some will nail it ok, some will not, but the whole purpose of this comp is to give these countries an opportunity.
A statement from the VUFC board and the Vanuatu Football Federation says: *We are saddened to see Christian and Lars step down just as VUFC is ready to kick off its first professional match this week.
“Both have made invaluable contributions to football in Vanuatu — Christian in establishing Vanuatu United FC from the ground up, and Lars in leading the national team to win the MSG Cup, a triumph few thought possible.
“Their professionalism, vision, and dedication have set new standards for our football landscape.
“While we regret their departure, we respect and honour their decision and wish them continued success. They will always remain part of our football family.”
In a follow-up statement, the United board say they have set up “a seamless interim management structure”, and appointed Darval Simon as interim general manager.
He will take charge of the travelling delegation to Auckland for the first round of games.
“The VFF expresses its full confidence in Mr Simon, who has been instrumental in the foundational development of VUFC in his previous position as team manager,” the statement says.
“His critical contributions include the initial setting up of the club, the successful negotiation for the Pro-league Licence, and pivotal discussions with government stakeholders and key partners.
“Darval’s deep involvement from the club’s inception, coupled with his proven negotiation skills and dedication and great passion for the game, make him the ideal leader for this important tour
*We have every confidence in his ability to guide the team and management through a successful campaign in New Zealand.”
The squad was scheduled to fly to Auckland on Wednesday January 14, and the board had held a final briefing with the players after their final training session.
“On behalf of the entire Vanuatu football community (the board) wishes VUFC and Interim general manager Darval Simon, the coach Lars and the players every success as they represent the nation on the international stage.”
Doing some Vanuatu United research after tonight's staff developments and found this amazing photo from after their warm-up friendly at the weekend pic.twitter.com/m4hc1eeTTs
Hopefully all of those Papatoetoe uber/taxi drivers turn up to watch Krishna and co. Could make for a half decent atmosphere on Saturday, with a few of The Port there as well.
Games to be played on Saturday January 17, 2026 Vanuatu United v Bula Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, 3pm
Auckland FC v South Island United Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, 7pm
Don’t want to say it but the island nations overall in both football and union over the years have a bit of rep of struggling to deal with professional teams in any capacity.
It’s just one of those things. Some will nail it ok, some will not, but the whole purpose of this comp is to give these countries an opportunity.
The purpose of this competition is to secure votes from OFC members for a Saudi world cup. What OFC does with this opportunity is on them; but where will the funding come in ~3 years?
Dunno, possibility that the saudis will still be sports washing then as well?
Irrespective I don’t think many sporting competitions know where their funding will be coming from four years down the line.
zonknz
AucklandPhoenix
Don’t want to say it but the island nations overall in both football and union over the years have a bit of rep of struggling to deal with professional teams in any capacity.
It’s just one of those things. Some will nail it ok, some will not, but the whole purpose of this comp is to give these countries an opportunity.
The purpose of this competition is to secure votes from OFC members for a Saudi world cup. What OFC does with this opportunity is on them; but where will the funding come in ~3 years?
Yipe the Saudis seem intent in taking over from Qatar as the hosts of everything. Didn't they even try sponsoring the 2023 WWC?
Likely plenty of other football events - CWCs, age group world cups etc etc - that they will be keen to host, and OFC member votes might be handy to have.
Don’t want to say it but the island nations overall in both football and union over the years have a bit of rep of struggling to deal with professional teams in any capacity.
It’s just one of those things. Some will nail it ok, some will not, but the whole purpose of this comp is to give these countries an opportunity.
The purpose of this competition is to secure votes from OFC members for a Saudi world cup. What OFC does with this opportunity is on them; but where will the funding come in ~3 years?
That's not necessarily wrong but much too simplistic.
Also think: - FIFA wanting to see more competitive OFC reps at CWC and Intercontinental Cup - FIFA wanting OFC to continue as a confederation, therefore handing it more stuff (like they did with extra youth world cup places before) - Aus and NZ wanting to build sports diplomacy with the Pacific i.e. tie them to us and not China
Don’t want to say it but the island nations overall in both football and union over the years have a bit of rep of struggling to deal with professional teams in any capacity.
It’s just one of those things. Some will nail it ok, some will not, but the whole purpose of this comp is to give these countries an opportunity.
The purpose of this competition is to secure votes from OFC members for a Saudi world cup. What OFC does with this opportunity is on them; but where will the funding come in ~3 years?
That's not necessarily wrong but much too simplistic.
Also think: - FIFA wanting to see more competitive OFC reps at CWC and Intercontinental Cup - FIFA wanting OFC to continue as a confederation, therefore handing it more stuff (like they did with extra youth world cup places before) - Aus and NZ wanting to build sports diplomacy with the Pacific i.e. tie them to us and not China
I don't disagree that FIFA would want these outcomes. I just don't believe this is a commercially viable competition, given high travel costs, the hub model will struggle to attract fans and it will exist only as long as there is external funding, which imho won't be FIFA. OFC should hope for another petrochemical or rogue state competing for the rights to host the next world cup.
I don't think anyone is really giving the league a shot long-term but I do truly hope it works out (somehow).
At the very least it could act as a launching pad into the A-League for clubs like South Melbourne and South Island who could then go "See we are functioning professional clubs, why don't you just lower the license price so we can join you?"
Oh no, it was never going to be commercially viable.
Geez, the A league is debatable 20 years from inception, never mind this random comp.
But fantastic for the island nations and struggle to see any down side.
Apart from maybe an Australian team winning the thing.
as a down side, it will "harm" the National League by giving it some betting markets competition in the same time zone. The overlap in calendars isn't significant that said.
Good news we have an airline sponsor! Hopefully more of this can help the league become a long-term reality. I wonder if its all financial or part of it is helping transport the teams.
Oceania will finally have its first professional football league when the OFC Pro League kicks off at Eden Park this weekend.
All eight competing clubs will play three matches in six days during the first round of the competition in Auckland, with Bula FC and Vanuatu United FC sharing the honour of playing the first-ever match on Saturday, January 17th.
It will be the first of 72 matches during the competition’s inaugural season, with the league returning to Auckland for the finals in May.
Round 1 Breakdown
The tournament’s opening match day at Eden Park has it all – with Roy Krishna marking his return to the region for Bula FC, and Auckland FC and South Island United facing off in New Zealand’s new football rivalry.
The second match day at Eden Park follows with South Melbourne FC’s return to OFC competition for the first time since 1999 against Tahiti United, and the first instalment of Melanesia’s new football derby between PNG Hekari FC and Solomon Kings FC.
The action then moves to North Harbour Stadium on Auckland’s North Shore for the remaining four matchdays.
New Zealand clubs South Island United and Auckland FC will have home support against both Bula FC and Vanuatu United across two matchdays on the 20th and the 23rd of January, whilst PNG Hekari FC and South Melbourne FC close out the opening round on the 24th of January with a blockbuster clash.
Luke Casserly – Auckland FC. OFC Pro League Press Conference, Crowne Plaza Hotel Auckland, Friday 16 January 2026. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.nz
Auckland FC
Starting the competition at home, Auckland FC face off against New Zealand rivals South Island United in a must-see start to the competition at Eden Park.
“We know everything about South Island United. I know Rob Sherman (South Island United coach) very well, and we know the individual talent they’ve got,” says Auckland FC head coach Luke Casserly.
Casserly is confident in the squad he has picked, who will also face Vanuatu United FC and Bula FC during Round One.
“The lead-in has been short, but I’m really excited for some of the players that have come in. They are some of the best from the New Zealand National League, and I’m really excited for them to get the opportunity to be professionals.”
Stephane Auvray – Bula FC. OFC Pro League Press Conference, Crowne Plaza Hotel Auckland, Friday 16 January 2026. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.nz
Bula FC
Fiji’s first professional football club, Bula FC, will take part in the OFC Pro League’s historic first game against Vanuatu United FC on January 17th.
“As a coach, I want to be remembered for taking Fijian football to a better place,” says coach Stéphane Auvray, who also holds a dual role with the national team.
Fiji’s all-time top-scorer and appearance holder, Roy Krishna, is also part of the squad and has returned to the region for the OFC Pro League.
“He has a lot of experience and the players look up to him. If the players have questions, they reach out to him. He’s a very good player.”
PNG Hekari FC
Led by Brazilian coach Marcos Gusmão, PNG Hekari FC begin their campaign against Melanesian rivals Solomon Kings FC on Sunday.
“Our preparation started three months ago, and it’s been very intense,” says Gusmão.
PNG Hekari FC will also face South Melbourne FC and Tahiti United during their stay in Auckland for the first round of the competition.
“Both the coaching staff and the players are very excited for this competition, and it is a great opportunity for Papua New Guinea to showcase its football and its talent to the entire Oceania region.”
Ban Cahn – Solomon Kings FC. OFC Pro League Press Conference, Crowne Plaza Hotel Auckland, Friday 16 January 2026. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.nz
Solomon Kings FC
Englishman Ben Cahn has previously spent most of his coaching career in Australia but will lead Solomon Kings FC for the inaugural OFC Pro League.
“It was an unknown coming in. But I’ve been really impressed by the playing group, and I’m happy with how our preparation has gone,” says Cahn.
The Kings have signed Raphael Lea’i, who returns from playing in Europe and Australia to be part of the Solomon Islands first professional club.
“He’s full of enthusiasm, and we want to do everything we can to help him showcase his talent. But there are plenty of other good players capable of making a mark.”
Rob Sherman – South Island United. OFC Pro League Press Conference, Crowne Plaza Hotel Auckland, Friday 16 January 2026. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.nz
South Island United
Making history as the South Island’s first professional football club, South Island United have rivals Auckland FC in their sights on the opening matchday.
“We’ve tried to recruit predominantly South Island players, and we’re happy with the squad that we’ve got,” says coach Rob Sherman.
Sherman has spent many years as a coach in region, including with the Fiji national team for the FIFA World Cup 26™ Oceania Qualifiers.
“I think it’s a major step for the whole region. Oceania is under-recruited, and this league is an opportunity for players to take the step up to top football.’
South Melbourne FC
Oceania’s club of the 20th century, South Melbourne FC make their return to OFC competition for the OFC Pro League.
“We’ve been a part of Oceania before, and this competition is a valuable step for us along with the other teams in the region,” says coach Sinisa Cohadzic.
South Melbourne FC arrive in Auckland off the back of their Australia Championship title in December and have retained the core group of their squad.
“As a club, we’re always ambitious, and winning trophies is in our DNA. But we come here with a lot of respect for our opposition, and there are a lot of unknowns.”
Samuel Garcia – Tahiti United. OFC Pro League Press Conference, Crowne Plaza Hotel Auckland, Friday 16 January 2026. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.nz
Tahiti United
Tahiti’s first professional football club, Tahiti United, will play South Melbourne FC in their inaugural OFC Pro League match at Eden Park.
“The preparations have gone very well,” says coach Samuel Garcia, who will also retain his role as head coach of the Tahiti national team.
Tahiti United are captained by Teaonui Tehau, the nation’s all-time lead goal-scorer and appearance holder.
“The players are looking forward to taking to the field for their first match,” says Garcia, who’s squad will also play PNG Hekari FC and Solomon Kings FC in Auckland.
Lars Hopp – Vanuatu United FC. OFC Pro League Press Conference, Crowne Plaza Hotel Auckland, Friday 16 January 2026. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.nz
Vanuatu United FC
Vanuatu United FC will play their part in making history when they play the first-ever game in OFC Pro League history against Bula FC.
“We’ve worked steadily to get everyone on the same level and aligned behind the playing idea,” says coach Lars Hopp.
Hopp will only serve as coach for the first round of the competition, where Vanuatu United FC also face Auckland FC and South Island United.
“Our squad has been put together with a core group from the Vanuatu national team. The six foreigners we’ve also added has created a good mix.”
Don’t miss the OFC Pro League kick-off this weekend as Round 1 gets underway.
Bring the family along to watch the action and enjoy the family funzone, with tickets from only $15.
You know it's kind of crazy to think that this weekend we get to watch five professional NZ teams play football
Friday Melbourne City vs Auckland fc - 9:35pm
Saturday Canberra United vs Wellington Phoenix W - 7:30pm Auckland fc II vs South Island United - 7:30pm
Sunday Sydney fc vs Wellington Phoenix M - 7:30pm
I point this out because it was only in 2020 when it was just the Phoenix men's team, and now 6 years later we get 4 more teams. In fact to go even further 27/28 is when Auckland will have a women's team to make it 6 pro football teams in NZ. I know South's long-term future is unsure but still, considering NZ only had one professional team for roughly 20 years this is pretty cool.
Coupled with the All Whites being at the World Cup (yes bloated 48 team) again after 16 years away, the sport is heading in the right direction. At the shop window, elite level anyway.
Its exciting to see how this new competition goes. I feel sorry for SIU fans as they wont get to see their team play at home this year. Hopefully next year the Auckland hub becomes a NZ hub. It would require a bit of organising but it could work as Melbourne and Suva have direct flights to Chch. First game SM flys direct to Chch and plays SIU. Both teams fly to Akld for the next round. Then Bula and SIU fly to Chch for the last game before Bula flys direct back to Fiji. SIU will never develop as a club unless they can play at home
