Late drama defines Monday action as AS Tiga Sport and Auckland City open with wins

The second day of the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League brought two tightly contested matches at Churchill Park in Lautoka, with AS Tiga Sport and Auckland City FC both needing late goals to begin their Group A campaigns with victories.

New Caledonia champions AS Tiga Sport opened the day with a narrow 1-0 win over Tahiti’s AS Vénus, in a match that appeared destined to finish goalless until the final minutes.

Tiga thought they had taken an early lead in the 17th minute when Yannick Ipunesso found the net, but the goal was ruled out for a foul in the build-up. Vénus also had their moments, with Keahinui Brown testing goalkeeper Thomas Schmidt and Manuarii Shan seeing a free kick pushed away before half-time.

The Tahitian side improved after the break and created several opportunities, while Tiga Sport came closest through Shane Welepane, whose powerful free kick was pushed onto the crossbar by goalkeeper Tetahio Teriinohopuaiterai.

The decisive moment finally arrived in the 89th minute. Jythrim Upa found space on the right and delivered a cross into the penalty area, where substitute Jean-Yves Saiko produced a diving header to give Tiga Sport all three points.

The later match produced even more drama as defending champions Auckland City came from behind to defeat Solomon Islands representatives Central Coast FC 2-1.

Central Coast gave the tournament favourites serious problems throughout the match. Raphael Lea’i was particularly dangerous, missing a good opportunity in the first half before later having a goal ruled out for offside shortly after the restart.

The Solomon Islands side eventually received its reward in the 58th minute. Lea’i broke behind the Auckland defence and played the ball into the path of Bobby Leslie, who struck a low first-time effort into the bottom corner to put Central Coast ahead.

For much of the second half, an upset appeared possible. Central Coast had produced an energetic attacking performance and forced Auckland City into the unusual position of chasing the game late.

The New Zealand champions, however, changed the match within two minutes.

Gerard Garriga equalised in the 78th minute after Central Coast goalkeeper Erick Wanega parried Pavel Osmancik’s effort into his path. Then, in the 80th minute, Michal Doudera crossed from the left and substitute Ryan De Vries volleyed home from close range to complete the turnaround.

The 2-1 victory extended Auckland City’s unbeaten run in the OFC Men’s Champions League to 28 matches, but Central Coast’s performance showed that the defending champions may face a difficult battle to retain their continental crown.

After Monday’s opening Group A matches, Auckland City and AS Tiga Sport both sit on three points, while Central Coast and AS Vénus remain without points.

Group A returns on Thursday, August 13, when AS Tiga Sport face Auckland City before Central Coast take on AS Vénus in what already shapes as an important match for both sides’ semi-final hopes.

Galaxy and Lae City make strong starts as OFC Champions League opens in Fiji

The 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League got underway in Lautoka with two convincing victories in Group B, as Lae City FC and Galaxy FC both started their campaigns with 4-1 wins at Churchill Park.

Papua New Guinea champions Lae City opened the competition against Cook Islands representatives Tupapa Maraerenga and took control of the match early. Teenager Solomon Kamake broke the deadlock in the 17th minute after Nalau Moses helped a long ball into his path, allowing the young forward to finish across goalkeeper Tahiri Elikana.

Lae City doubled their advantage shortly before half-time. Moses again played an important role, delivering a set-piece that was turned into his own net by Tupapa defender Shane Tuteru.

Seven minutes after the restart, Moses added his name to the scoresheet. Good combination play between Gorden Mark and Sileon Hatagao opened the Cook Islands defence, with Moses finishing the move to make it 3-0.

Tupapa continued to compete and were rewarded in the 72nd minute when substitute Moses Taokia found Tremaine Rimene-Albrett, who reduced the deficit. It was Tupapa Maraerenga’s first goal in the OFC Men’s Champions League group stage since 2019.

Lae City, however, had the final say. Ruel Api scored in stoppage time after a David Tita corner was only partially cleared, completing a 4-1 victory and giving the Papua New Guinean side an ideal start to the tournament.

The second match of the day produced the same scoreline but perhaps an even bigger statement, with Vanuatu champions Galaxy FC defeating host side Rewa FC 4-1.

Galaxy needed only four minutes to take the lead. Andrew Malakai tried his luck from distance and his effort took a deflection before looping over the goalkeeper.

Rewa responded and enjoyed significant possession, but Galaxy remained organised defensively and looked dangerous on the counterattack. That approach produced a second goal just before half-time, when Malakai released Brazilian forward Willian Dos Santos Medina behind the defence. Medina rounded goalkeeper James Do’oro before finishing from a difficult angle.

The Brazilian struck again seven minutes into the second half after Roberson Dos Santos Ribeiro won an aerial challenge with Do’oro, leaving Medina with the opportunity to finish into an open goal.

Rewa found a response six minutes later. Don Keana’s corner was met by Gabiriele Matanisiga, whose header reduced the deficit to 3-1 and briefly gave the home side hope of a comeback.

Galaxy remained in control, however, and Medina completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 86th minute, sealing a memorable 4-1 victory for the Vanuatu champions.

The opening results leave Galaxy and Lae City together on three points, both with a +3 goal difference, while Rewa and Tupapa Maraerenga remain without points.

Group B returns on August 12 at Four R Stadium in Ba, with Rewa facing Tupapa Maraerenga before Lae City and Galaxy meet in a direct clash between the two opening-day winners.

Meanwhile, Group A begins on August 10, with AS Vénus facing AS Tiga Sport before Solomon Islands champions Central Coast FC take on defending champions Auckland City.

Solomon Islands great Micah Lea’alafa and Vanuatu internationals celebrate title with Pontian Eagles in South Australia

Solomon Islands football great Micah Lea’alafa has added another achievement to his decorated career after helping Pontian Eagles secure the 2026 HPG Homes State League 2 North premiership in South Australia.

The Adelaide-based club were officially crowned winners of the northern conference following an impressive campaign in the third tier of Football South Australia’s state competition. Pontian concluded the regular season with a 3-0 victory over Elizabeth Grove at their home ground in Paralowie.

Lea’alafa was part of a strong South Pacific presence in the title-winning squad. Vanuatu internationals Jonathan Spokeyjack and Timothy Boulet also represented Pontian Eagles during the campaign, giving the club three experienced players with considerable international and OFC competition experience.

The Solomon Islands attacker also made his contribution on the field, finding the net during league victories over Barossa United and Gawler Eagles. His performances showed that the experienced forward remains capable of making an impact despite spending the last few seasons away from the greater spotlight of Pacific football.

Lea’alafa has been based in South Australia since joining NPL side FK Beograd in 2023. He later represented Northern Demons and Vipers FC before becoming part of the Pontian Eagles squad for the 2026 season.

His career remains one of the most distinguished among Solomon Islands players. Lea’alafa won consecutive OFC Champions League titles with Auckland City and was named the competition’s best player in 2016 after playing a decisive role in the New Zealand club’s continental triumph. He also competed at the FIFA Club World Cup and later earned a professional opportunity with Maritzburg United in South Africa’s top division.

Spokeyjack and Boulet have also been regular members of the Vanuatu national team. Spokeyjack played an important role in Vanuatu’s historic run to the 2024 OFC Nations Cup final, while Boulet has represented clubs including Ifira Black Bird and Auckland City in major regional competitions.

Pontian Eagles will now turn their attention to the State League 2 finals, with the northern premiership already secured and further success still available in the club’s pursuit of promotion.

OFC Men’s Champions League 2026: Complete Guide to the Eight Teams in Fiji

The OFC Men’s Champions League returns in Fiji from August 9 to 22, bringing together eight clubs from across the Pacific for the region’s main continental competition for domestic champions.

Auckland City once again arrive as the benchmark. The New Zealand giants have won a record 13 titles, including the last four editions, and have not lost a match in the competition since the 2019 semi-finals. But the 2026 tournament comes in a different regional environment, with the inaugural OFC Pro League having reshaped several squads and given a number of players professional experience before returning to their domestic clubs.

There is also a major structural change around the competition. The winner of the OFC Men’s Champions League no longer qualifies directly for FIFA club competitions following the introduction of the OFC Pro League, although the tournament remains the continental championship for Oceania’s domestic clubs.

The format remains straightforward. Auckland City, Central Coast, AS Vénus and AS Tiga Sport make up Group A, while hosts Rewa, Galaxy FC, Lae City and Tupapa Maraerenga are in Group B. The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals on August 19, with the final to be played on August 22 at Four R Stadium, Govind Park, in Ba.

GROUP A

Auckland City FC — New Zealand

Any discussion about the favourites has to begin with Auckland City.

The Navy Blues are preparing for their 21st campaign in the competition and have won 13 continental titles. Their latest came in 2025, when they defeated Hekari United 2-0 in the final in Honiara. Twelve players from that championship-winning side remain in the 2026 squad.

There has been an important change on the touchline, with Rudy Mozr taking charge at the beginning of the year. The Czech coach holds a UEFA Pro Licence and will lead Auckland into the Champions League for the first time.

His squad has also received an unusual mid-year boost. Christian Gray and Nathan Lobo return after playing professionally for South Island United, while Michael Den Heijer and Matt Ellis are back following spells with Auckland FC. Fergus Gillion and Matt Foord have also joined after spending time with Bula FC.

Gray is arguably the most important of those players. The centre-back played 16 of South Island United’s 18 Pro League matches and is heading into his sixth Champions League campaign. He also scored Auckland City’s equaliser against Boca Juniors at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Den Heijer brings considerable experience in midfield, while Ellis and Gillion improve Auckland’s attacking depth. More broadly, Auckland’s traditional advantage remains continuity: many of their players know exactly what a short OFC tournament requires.

Key players: Christian Gray, Michael Den Heijer, Nathan Lobo, Matt Ellis.

What to expect: Clear favourites once again, although a new coach and a difficult group make this a genuine test of whether their continental dominance can continue unchanged.

Central Coast FC — Solomon Islands

Central Coast arrive in Fiji with one of the most intriguing squads in the tournament.

The Solomon Islands champions are making their third Champions League appearance after reaching the semi-finals in 2022 and suffering a disappointing group-stage exit at home in 2025. Jacob Moli remains in charge, having coached the club since its creation in 2020.

Their squad has been strengthened significantly by players returning from Solomon Kings after the inaugural OFC Pro League season. OFC reported that nine members of Moli’s group had played professionally for Solomon Kings, while more than half of the squad have represented Solomon Islands internationally. Seventeen players have previous Champions League experience.

The biggest name is Raphael “Rafa” Lea’i.

Still only 22, Lea’i has already played abroad in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Australia and has scored 14 goals in 26 senior internationals for Solomon Islands. His Pro League campaign was quieter than expected, producing one goal in 15 appearances, but he has already made an immediate impact since joining Central Coast.

Javin Wae adds international experience and authority in defence, while Bobby Leslie is another important addition from Solomon Kings. Marlon Tahioa remains part of the established Central Coast core and already has extensive experience in the competition.

The main question is preparation. The Solomon Islands S-League only recently restarted, meaning Moli has had limited competitive time to integrate the returning Pro League players. Central Coast may therefore possess considerable individual quality without yet having reached their collective peak.

Key players: Raphael Lea’i, Javin Wae, Bobby Leslie, Marlon Tahioa.

What to expect: One of the strongest Melanesian squads on paper and capable of challenging anyone in Group A if their new-look team settles quickly.

AS Vénus — Tahiti

AS Vénus return to the Champions League four years after reaching the final.

The Tahitian champions are making their sixth appearance and have reached the knockout stage three times. Their most recent campaign ended in a 3-0 defeat to Auckland City in the 2022 final.

Their 2026 squad has been strongly influenced by Tahiti United’s participation in the OFC Pro League.

Eight players have returned to Vénus after spending the first part of the year with Tahiti United: Roonui Tehau, German Haewegene, Pothin Poma, Maurii Heitaa, Kalï Lenoir, Kevin Barbe, Mana Teniau and Manuarii Shan. Six members of the squad were involved in the 2022 Champions League run, while five have senior international experience with Tahiti.

The central figure is Roonui Tehau. The 28-year-old midfielder appeared in 16 of Tahiti United’s 17 Pro League matches and has 12 senior caps for Tahiti. He also scored twice during Vénus’ run to the 2022 final.

German Haewegene, Pothin Poma and Maurii Heitaa give the side additional experience through the spine of the team, and the return of so many Tahiti United players should make Vénus particularly comfortable in possession.

There has also been a change in management, with Vateanui Tehau stepping up as head coach after Samuel Garcia departed to lead Tahiti United.

Key players: Roonui Tehau, German Haewegene, Pothin Poma, Maurii Heitaa.

What to expect: Technically strong, experienced and strengthened by professional football. Vénus should be considered a genuine challenger for the semi-finals rather than simply another opponent behind Auckland.

AS Tiga Sport — New Caledonia

Tiga Sport should not be treated as an outsider simply because they attract less attention internationally.

The New Caledonian club reached the semi-finals in 2025 and return with considerable continuity from that campaign. Their recent results have already shown they can compete at this level, including a 4-2 win over Rewa during last year’s group stage.

Their principal creative reference remains Shene Welepane. The midfielder has been one of Tiga’s most important players for several years and brings extensive experience with New Caledonia as well as multiple Champions League campaigns. OFC has previously highlighted his ability to create rather than simply score, making him central to the team’s attacking structure.

Another important figure is Morgan Mathelon, part of the experienced New Caledonian core surrounding Welepane.

Unlike Auckland, Central Coast and Vénus, Tiga have not been reshaped by returning OFC Pro League players. Their advantage instead comes from familiarity and continuity within a group that already reached the final four last year.

That could be valuable in such a demanding section.

Key players: Shene Welepane, Morgan Mathelon and the experienced core retained from the 2025 semi-final campaign.

What to expect: The least discussed side in Group A, but possibly the most dangerous to underestimate. They already know they can reach the knockout stage.

GROUP B

Rewa FC — Fiji

Rewa enter the tournament carrying the hopes of the host nation and with memories of a strong recent continental run.

The Delta Tigers reached the semi-finals in 2024 before losing to AS Pirae after extra time. They returned in 2025 but failed to progress from their group, leaving this year’s home tournament as an opportunity to re-establish themselves among Oceania’s strongest domestic clubs.

The squad has undergone considerable change, and one of the most notable additions is Joseph Athale. The New Caledonia international joins after playing professionally for Tahiti United and brings experience from New Caledonia, France, Australia and Tahiti.

Setareki Hughes remains one of the team’s most experienced Fijian players and provides quality in midfield, while Gabrieli Matanisiga offers senior international experience in defence.

Goalkeeper James Do’oro is another important figure, while Epeli Valevou gives the hosts a powerful attacking option.

Playing in familiar conditions should help Rewa, particularly in a group that appears more open than Group A. They also have enough experienced players to avoid being overwhelmed by the pressure of playing at home.

Key players: Joseph Athale, Setareki Hughes, Gabrieli Matanisiga, James Do’oro, Epeli Valevou.

What to expect: A legitimate contender to win Group B, although they will face immediate pressure from a Galaxy side with considerable attacking strength.

Galaxy FC — Vanuatu

Galaxy may be one of the strongest teams in the tournament that has received relatively little attention outside Vanuatu.

The Port Vila club have built an impressive 2026 campaign around a combination of Brazilian quality, experienced Ni-Vanuatu players and reinforcements from Solomon Islands. Their domestic performances have been dominant, scoring 30 goals without conceding during their VFF title campaign.

The standout has been Brazilian forward Willian dos Santos Medina.

Willian scored 16 goals during the campaign and finished as the competition’s leading scorer, including hat-tricks in both the semi-final and final. His ability to finish chances gives Galaxy one of the clearest individual attacking threats in Group B.

Fellow Brazilian Roberson Felipe dos Santos Ribeiro remains another major influence. Roberson scored four times during the title campaign and was named best player of the final. He is already familiar with continental football, having scored twice for Galaxy in the 2020 OFC Champions League, including against defending champions Hienghène Sport.

Galaxy’s local quality is equally important.

Romain Luake scored five goals during their domestic run and was named the best player of the semi-final, while Bong Kalo remains one of Vanuatu’s most technically gifted and recognisable attacking midfielders. Kalo also has previous Champions League experience with the club.

There is also additional depth from Solomon Islands players, including goalkeeper Michael Laulae, defender Junior Aengari, Jayson Kofela and Clifton Sale. Laulae was named the best goalkeeper of Galaxy’s title campaign.

The combination makes Galaxy a particularly interesting side. They have genuine match-winners from abroad, but they are not dependent on their foreign players. The local core remains strong enough to carry significant responsibility.

Key players: Willian Medina, Roberson, Romain Luake, Bong Kalo.

What to expect: One of the most dangerous attacking teams in Group B and a genuine challenger to Rewa for first place.

Lae City FC — Papua New Guinea

Lae City return to the continental stage carrying a famous club name but a very different squad from the one that became a regular Champions League participant in the previous decade.

This is largely a new generation.

The old Lae City sides built around some of Papua New Guinea’s best-known internationals are no longer the correct reference point for this team. The 2026 squad is much younger, and only a small number of players have previously experienced the Champions League group stage.

The most important veteran is Ronald Warisan.

The 36-year-old goalkeeper has played in all six of Lae City’s previous Champions League campaigns and has extensive senior international experience with Papua New Guinea. His presence gives a young squad a rare source of continental knowledge.

Phillip Steven and Langarap Samol are among the few other players with previous experience at this level, while younger names such as Matthew Sopo and Bomcege Basananuc represent the next generation emerging through Papua New Guinea football.

The contrast is striking: Lae City have the history and identity of a major PNG club, but this group must effectively establish its own continental reputation.

Key players: Ronald Warisan, Phillip Steven, Langarap Samol, Matthew Sopo, Bomcege Basananuc.

What to expect: A young, unpredictable team whose first match against Tupapa could be crucial before tougher tests against Galaxy and Rewa.

Tupapa Maraerenga — Cook Islands

Tupapa arrive in Fiji with a different squad from the one that won the qualifying tournament six months ago. Six loanees featured in qualification, but only two remain, while Daniel Bunch and Jordan Boon, two of their standout performers, are absent from the 22-man squad.

The Cook Islands champions have instead added Tahitian duo Honoura Maraetefau and Tauhiki Bohl, as well as Samoan defender Key Viliamu from Vaipuna SC. Fourteen players have previous Champions League group-stage experience, including ten from last year’s campaign.

Maraetefau is the player to watch. The 24-year-old Tahiti international joins from AS Tefana and brings both senior international and continental experience.

Tupapa are led by player-coach Jarves Aperau.

Key players: Honoura Maraetefau, Tauhiki Bohl, Key Viliamu, Grover Harmon.

What to expect: Still outsiders, but more experienced than their status suggests and with a noticeably different profile from the team that came through qualifying.

Group A: the tournament’s toughest section

Group A looks particularly demanding.

Auckland City have won the last four continental titles. Vénus reached the final in 2022. Central Coast were semi-finalists that same year, while Tiga reached the last four in 2025.

Vénus and Tiga open the group on August 10 before Central Coast face Auckland City later the same day. Three days later Tiga meet Auckland and Central Coast face Vénus, before the section concludes in Ba on August 16.

Central Coast against Vénus could become particularly important. Both possess several players returning from professional football and may view one another as the most direct competition for a semi-final place if Auckland maintain their usual standard.

Tiga, however, complicate that assumption. Their 2025 run proved that they can compete with the region’s strongest clubs.

Group B: Rewa and Galaxy start with a major test

Group B begins one day earlier, on August 9.

Galaxy face Rewa at Churchill Park before Lae City meet Tupapa. Rewa then face Tupapa on August 12 while Lae City take on Galaxy. The final matches on August 15 see Tupapa face Galaxy before Rewa meet Lae City.

The opening Galaxy-Rewa game could shape the entire group.

Rewa have home advantage and an experienced core, but Galaxy arrive with Medina in exceptional goalscoring form, Roberson still influential and strong local players around them.

Lae City’s youth makes them difficult to predict, while Tupapa already have competitive OFC experience from qualifying.

Who can stop Auckland City?

Auckland City remain the obvious favourites.

Their 13 titles, four consecutive championships and extraordinary continuity make them the safest prediction. Even after the creation of the OFC Pro League, Auckland have been able to bring several experienced players back into their Champions League squad.

The gap behind them is less straightforward.

Central Coast have significant Solomon Islands international quality and several players returning from Solomon Kings. Vénus possess eight Tahiti United returnees and a technically strong core. Tiga bring continuity from a semi-final campaign.

In Group B, Rewa benefit from playing at home, but Galaxy should be considered at least as serious a threat after their dominant domestic run and the form of Willian Medina, Roberson, Romain Luake and Bong Kalo.

There are also two very different outsiders. Lae City represent a young Papua New Guinea generation trying to establish itself, while Tupapa have already earned their place through qualifying.

The defining question therefore remains familiar — whether anyone can finally bring Auckland City’s run to an end.

But the composition of the challengers is different in 2026.

Professional experience has returned to several domestic clubs through the OFC Pro League, Galaxy have assembled a particularly strong mix of foreign and local talent, Tiga arrive with recent knockout-stage experience, and Rewa have the advantage of competing on home soil.

From August 9, Fiji will show whether any of those factors are enough to change the order at the top of Oceania club football.

Raphael Lea’i makes immediate Central Coast impact ahead of OFC Champions League challenge

Raphael Lea’i has made an immediate impact on his return to domestic football in the Solomon Islands, scoring his first two goals for Central Coast FC in only his second appearance for the club ahead of the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League.

The Solomon Islands international struck twice as Central Coast defeated Malaita Kingz 5-2 in the S-League last Saturday, helping the defending champions record their second consecutive victory at the beginning of the new domestic campaign.

Lea’i’s brace was particularly timely for Central Coast. The 22-year-old had made his debut in the club’s 1-0 opening-round victory over Marist FC before opening his scoring account one week later, providing an early indication of the attacking influence he could have during the regional tournament in Fiji.

His second goal against Malaita Kingz arrived five minutes after half-time and gave Central Coast a 3-1 advantage. Junior Fordney was also among the scorers as Jacob Moli’s side produced a convincing final competitive performance before travelling to Fiji.

Lea’i is one of nine players added to the Central Coast squad after representing Solomon Kings in the inaugural OFC Pro League season. Javin Wae, Junior David and Bobby Leslie are also among the reinforcements bringing professional-level experience into the three-time S-League champions.

Central Coast coach Jacob Moli has already highlighted the influence of the returning Solomon Kings players, whose presence has increased the standard of the club’s training sessions. Their arrival has strengthened a squad containing several Solomon Islands internationals and 17 players with previous OFC Men’s Champions League experience.

For Lea’i, the early goals also provide an encouraging response after a difficult individual campaign with Solomon Kings. The forward scored once in 15 OFC Pro League appearances, but his record for the Solomon Islands national team—14 goals in 26 matches—continues to underline his ability in front of goal.

He has also previously shown that quality in the region’s leading club competition. Lea’i scored twice in three appearances during his first Champions League campaign as a teenager in 2020. Six years later, he returns to the tournament as a more experienced player after spells in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Australia and the OFC Pro League.

Central Coast will need that experience after being placed in a demanding group alongside Auckland City, AS Vénus and AS Tiga Sport. Their campaign begins on Monday against 13-time Oceania champions Auckland City at Churchill Park in Lautoka.

The Solomon Islands champions will then meet Tahitian side AS Vénus at the same venue on Thursday before completing the group stage against New Caledonia’s AS Tiga Sport in Ba on Sunday. The top two teams will progress to the semi-finals.

Central Coast reached the last four of the Champions League in 2022, when Auckland City ended their campaign with a 2-0 victory. They returned to the tournament as hosts in 2025 but were eliminated during the group stage.

Limited preparation remains a concern for Moli’s side, with the new S-League season only beginning shortly before the continental competition. However, consecutive domestic victories and Lea’i’s immediate contribution have offered encouraging signs before Central Coast face the strongest test of their new campaign.

After scoring his first Central Coast goals in only his second match, Lea’i now enters the OFC Men’s Champions League with an opportunity to turn his promising start into a significant continental campaign.

Oceania’s opposition was likely the final breaking point in Infantino’s failed plan to sell off World Cup

FIFA have announced on Friday that their controversial Forward Enterprise proposal would not proceed, with President Gianni Infantino finally backing down after receiving widespread criticism and backlash from member associations in nearly every corner of the world. The project would have allowed private investors to acquire a stake in a new $20B commercial subsidiary that was responsible for managing FIFA competitions, such as the World Cup and Club World Cup.

UEFA were the first continental confederation to come out in opposition against the plan, with its 55 member associations unanimously rejecting the idea and threatening a boycott of FIFA competitions if the proposal were to proceed. CONCACAF and AFC soon followed with statements of their own, saying they also opposed the plan.

However, a defiant FIFA attempted to proceed despite mounting pressure, initially insisting: “Nobody is selling football.” Infantino had set a deadline on September 19 for all of its 211 member associations to vote on the proposal, only needing a simple majority of 106 “yes” votes for the subsidiary to be established.

Member associations that formally approved and opted into the FFE proposal by the September 19 deadline would have unlocked a total of $40 million in funding for the next development cycle. Knowing that FIFA developed the proposal fully aware of the fact that they were likely to receive backlash from larger, more established countries, Infantino was relying on effectively bribing smaller nations (such as those in Oceania and the Caribbean) in order to secure its approval.

Publicly, the Oceania Football Confederation did not take a stance for or against the FFE. In a statement, OFC merely noted that the proposal would be deliberated upon at the upcoming Executive Committee meeting in August, and invited its member associations to review it.

Internally, however, pressure was already starting to mount. Minutes before FIFA finally axed the plan, New Zealand Football became the country’s first member association to reject the proposal and the means by which it was presented. A day before, Real Kakamora, one of the continent’s leading clubs in terms of global following, had called on all member nations of the confederation to “unequivocally reject FIFA’s proposal” on the grounds that it was “in direct opposition to the values and ideals that have made world football what it was today.” Notably, the club’s current president also serves as a vice president of the Solomon Islands Football Federation and would have likely influenced the country’s decision.

Sensing that even the world’s most cash-strapped nations were unwilling to agree, FIFA conceded its ground, with Infantino admitting: “It has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place.”

If OFC were to join UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC in unanimously rejecting the proposal, it would have been a virtual guarantee that the motion would end up being denied as FIFA would have fell well short of the required 106 votes necessary to create the subsidiary.

As for what’s next, Infantino now finds himself in a tenuous position, with multiple figures across the sport calling for his ouster as President of FIFA. Whether he decides to step down in the face of this unprecedented backlash or attempts to rehabilitate his reputation in the coming days and weeks remains to be seen.

We at Oceania Football Center fully support the statements of UEFA and CONCACAF and concur that world football, especially a tournament as prestigious as the World Cup, is too valuable to be sold and treated as an investment vehicle. We send our best wishes to all federations and clubs who organised in the rejection effort.

Galaxy FC take title-winning form and regional blend to Solomon Islands ahead of OFC Champions League

Galaxy FC will take the next stage of their preparations for the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League to Solomon Islands, where the Vanuatu champions are set to play three international friendlies shortly before travelling to Fiji.

The Port Vila side will face Malaita Kings on 28 July, defending S-League champions Central Coast FC on 31 July and Sosa FC on 3 August. All three matches will kick off at 3pm at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara.

Galaxy are expected to arrive in Solomon Islands on 27 July and return to Port Vila on 4 August before continuing to Fiji for Oceania’s leading club competition, which will be played in Ba and Lautoka from 9 to 22 August.

Head coach Batram Suri believes the tour will give his players the level of opposition and international exposure required before they face the strongest clubs from around the Pacific.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to gain international exposure before the OFC Champions League. These matches will help us improve in a few areas that still need work,” Suri told Star Sports

The former Solomon Islands international also expects the matches to provide valuable experience for members of the squad who have not previously competed regularly outside Vanuatu.

“We are expecting three top-quality matches. The tour will not only benefit us but also Central Coast, as I understand they have not had any competitive matches since last season ahead of the regional competition,” he added.

Galaxy will arrive in Honiara carrying considerable momentum. Earlier this month, the club retained the VFF Champions League title after defeating Classic FC 4-0 in the final at Freshwota Stadium.

Galaxy FC squad departs to Honiara – Photo: Galaxy Football Club

The victory completed a remarkable campaign in which Galaxy scored 30 goals and did not concede once. It was the club’s second consecutive VFF Champions League crown and, according to the team, its fourth trophy of the season.

Brazilian forward Willian dos Santos Medina was the competition’s leading scorer with 16 goals. He produced hat-tricks in both the 4-0 semi-final victory over Police FC and the final against Classic, finishing the tournament with more than half of Galaxy’s total goals.

His compatriot Roberson Felipe dos Santos Ribeiro added four goals and was named the best player of the final. Romain Luake scored five times and received the best-player award following the semi-final, while Henry Namatak contributed two goals.

Claude Aru, Thomas Maliwan and Solomon Islands defender Junior Aengari Gagame completed Galaxy’s list of goalscorers during the tournament.

The individual awards reflected the wider influence of Galaxy’s international contingent. Suri was named the competition’s best coach, while Solomon Islands goalkeeper Michael Laulae received the best-goalkeeper award after helping the club complete the tournament without conceding.

Laulae is one of four Solomon Islands players in the squad alongside Junior Aengari, Jayson Kofela and Clifton Sale. Galaxy have also maintained an experienced Ni-Vanuatu core containing several past and present national-team players, including Kensi Tangis, Bong Kalo, Claude Aru, Joe Moses, Henry Namatak and Romain Luake.

That combination of Brazilian quality, Solomon Islands influence and Vanuatu experience has become an important part of Galaxy’s identity. The foreign recruits have provided decisive contributions, but they have joined an established local group capable of competing for titles and carrying the club’s ambitions beyond domestic football.

Suri called on supporters in Honiara to watch the team during the tour and highlighted the mixture of footballing backgrounds within his squad.

“I call on all football supporters to come out and enjoy top-quality football and watch the exciting mix of Brazilian, Solomon Islands and Ni-Vanuatu talent in our team,” he said.

Galaxy have remained unbeaten in competitive matches during 2026. Their only defeat this year came in a 2-1 friendly against Vanuatu United FC in April, while Suri confirmed that the squad currently has no injury concerns.

The Vanuatu champions also began their PVFA President’s Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Tupuji Imere. The competition has allowed Galaxy to maintain their match rhythm following the VFF Champions League, although the approaching Solomon Islands tour will now provide a more direct test of their continental preparations.

The match against Central Coast will be particularly significant. The two clubs met during Galaxy’s most recent OFC Champions League appearance in 2022, when the Solomon Islands representatives claimed a 3-1 group-stage victory in Auckland.

Galaxy began that tournament with a 2-2 draw against Lae City before losing to Central Coast. They then defeated eventual finalists AS Vénus 1-0 through a Bong Kalo goal, but their four points were not enough to secure a place in the knockout stage.

The club had made a stronger impact during its first continental campaign in 2020. Galaxy defeated defending Oceania champions Hienghène Sport 4-1 and drew 2-2 with New Zealand side Eastern Suburbs to reach the quarter-finals. Their campaign could not continue after the knockout stage was postponed and eventually abandoned because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Roberson was already part of that 2020 side, which also combined leading Vanuatu players with recruits from Brazil, Solomon Islands and England. The present squad therefore represents a continuation of Galaxy’s established approach rather than the club’s first attempt to construct an internationally competitive team.

Galaxy, whose principal sponsor remains Au Bon Marché, have also received financial backing from the Government of Vanuatu ahead of the continental tournament. Prime Minister Jotham Napat recently presented the club with a VT200,000 contribution and encouraged the players to act as role models and ambassadors while representing the country in Fiji.

Galaxy have been placed in Group B of the OFC Men’s Champions League alongside hosts Rewa FC, Papua New Guinea champions Lae City FC and Cook Islands representatives Tupapa Maraerenga.

Their opening match against Rewa will provide an immediate examination against a team playing in familiar conditions. Galaxy will then meet Lae City, renewing another fixture from their 2022 campaign, before completing the group stage against Tupapa.

Only the two leading teams will progress to the semi-finals, leaving little room for a slow start. The matches in Honiara will therefore be more than ceremonial friendlies: they represent Galaxy’s final opportunity to test combinations, expose areas that still require improvement and prepare for the intensity they will encounter in Fiji.

Galaxy had already qualified for the 2026 tournament through last season’s national championship. By retaining the VFF Champions League this year, they have also secured the right to represent Vanuatu in the following edition.

The national title remains their most important achievement of the year, particularly after a campaign of 30 goals and no goals conceded. The task now is to carry that domestic authority into the continental competition and show that their regional blend can again make Galaxy competitive among Oceania’s leading clubs.

OFC Pro League Golden Boot winner Alex Saniel makes George Cross debut after Australian move

Vanuatu international striker Alex Saniel has returned to Australian football after completing a mid-season move to Caroline Springs George Cross.

The 29-year-old joins the Melbourne-based club following an outstanding campaign with Vanuatu United FC in the inaugural OFC Pro League, where he finished as the competition’s leading scorer with 11 goals.

Saniel’s move was completed in time for him to make his George Cross debut against Heidelberg United on Friday night. The forward started on the bench and was introduced in the 63rd minute, replacing Hamid Jalloh, as the two sides played out a goalless draw at Olympic Village.

The match formed part of the 22nd round of the NPL Victoria season and provided Saniel with his first minutes in one of Australia’s strongest state competitions.

Caroline Springs George Cross competes in NPL Victoria, the highest level of state football in Victoria and part of Australia’s National Premier Leagues system, below the professional A-League Men. The Georgies returned to the Victorian top flight in 2026 after earning promotion from VPL 1.

Saniel arrives in Melbourne after becoming one of the central figures of Oceania’s first professional football competition. He scored the first goal in OFC Pro League history when Vanuatu United opened its campaign with a 2-2 draw against Bula FC at Eden Park.

The striker remained Vanuatu United’s main attacking threat throughout the season. His goals helped the Chiefs progress through the Challengers Group and reach the semi-finals, where their campaign was ended by eventual champions South Melbourne FC.

Among Saniel’s most important performances was a late double in Vanuatu United’s 3-1 victory over PNG Hekari FC. He ended the competition with 11 goals and received the Golden Boot following the final at Eden Park.

The transfer represents a return to Australia for Saniel. He previously played for Northern Demons in South Australia during the 2024 season, scoring 10 goals in 19 appearances and finishing as the club’s joint leading scorer in State League Two.

Saniel later returned to Vanuatu and joined iCount Yatel FC. He became an important part of the Port Vila club’s attack and helped the side win the Vanuatu Made Shield before carrying his scoring form into the domestic league.

His performances also earned him another opportunity with the Vanuatu national team. Saniel was part of the squad that won the 2025 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Papua New Guinea, scoring in the final as Vanuatu drew 2-2 with the hosts before claiming the title in a penalty shootout.

The experienced forward has also played club football in Fiji and New Zealand. He represented Lautoka and Suva in the Fiji Premier League and was part of the Suva team that reached the 2023 OFC Champions League final in Port Vila.

Saniel scored against Auckland City in the title decider, although Suva eventually suffered a 4-2 defeat after extra time.

Caroline Springs George Cross head coach Eric Vassiliadis believes the Vanuatu international’s experience and recent goalscoring record can strengthen the team during the closing stages of the season.

“We are delighted to finally have Alex with us. His record speaks for itself, and winning the OFC Pro League Golden Boot is a fantastic achievement. We know he will add quality to the squad and look forward to seeing him make an impact,” Vassiliadis said.

After receiving his first minutes against Heidelberg United, Saniel will now look to establish himself in the George Cross attack and transfer his OFC Pro League goalscoring form to NPL Victoria.

Fiji unable to stop New Zealand as Junior All Whites claim 11th consecutive Oceania U-16 title

Fiji’s strong campaign was not enough to stop New Zealand, as the Junior All Whites produced another dominant performance to win the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship final 5-0 at the PNG Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

The final confirmed the challenge Fiji were expected to face against the tournament favourites. Sunil Kumar’s side had reached the decider without conceding a goal, but that defensive record lasted less than two minutes against New Zealand’s attacking quality.

Zach Cashmore opened the scoring after only 90 seconds, meeting a corner at the near post and directing his header into the net. It was New Zealand’s earliest goal in an OFC U-16 final and immediately placed Fiji in a position they had avoided throughout the competition.

Fiji had built their run to the final around defensive organisation and discipline. They defeated New Caledonia 2-0, Samoa 5-0 and hosts Papua New Guinea 3-0 to finish top of Group A before overcoming Solomon Islands on penalties in the semi-finals.

However, containing New Zealand represented a different level of difficulty. Martin Bullock’s team had scored at least three goals in every match before the final and once again showed why they remain the dominant force in youth football across Oceania.

New Zealand controlled possession after the early opener and continued to force Fiji deeper. The second goal arrived in the 36th minute when Fiji failed to clear the ball from their penalty area, allowing Davi Valles Dos Santos to finish and double the advantage.

Any remaining Fijian hopes of recovering were effectively ended in first-half stoppage time. Cashmore was again involved, with his delivery deflecting off defender Somit Maharaj and into the net for an own goal.

At 3-0 by the interval, New Zealand had already placed one hand on the trophy. Fiji attempted to respond after the break and Ryan Swami sent one of their best opportunities over the crossbar following a corner, but they were unable to place sustained pressure on the New Zealand defence.

The Junior All Whites continued to use their squad depth and maintained their intensity despite holding a comfortable advantage.

Substitute Jack Clegg made an immediate impact after entering the match, taking advantage of another defensive mistake inside the Fiji penalty area and scoring New Zealand’s fourth goal in the 76th minute.

Four minutes later, Clegg intercepted a loose pass and supplied Valles Dos Santos, who completed his brace and the 5-0 victory.

The defeat was a difficult conclusion for Fiji after an otherwise successful tournament. The Junior Bula Boys had won all three of their group matches without conceding and qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027 after defeating Solomon Islands in the semi-final shootout.

Nevertheless, the final demonstrated the distance that still separates New Zealand from their closest regional challengers at this age level. Fiji were organised enough to stop every previous opponent in Papua New Guinea, but they could not contain the speed, movement and depth available to Bullock’s team.

It was Fiji’s third appearance in an OFC U-16 Men’s Championship final and another defeat against New Zealand, who had also beaten them 3-1 when the teams contested the 2024 decider.

For New Zealand, the victory secured a record-extending 12th continental title and an 11th consecutive triumph in the competition. The Junior All Whites completed the tournament with five wins from five matches, scoring at least three times in each one.

Both finalists will now turn their attention towards the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027 in Qatar. Fiji can leave Port Moresby with a historic qualification place and confirmation that they are among Oceania’s strongest emerging youth sides, but the regional trophy remains firmly in New Zealand’s hands.

Fiji 0–5 New Zealand

Goals: Zach Cashmore 2’, Davi Valles Dos Santos 36’, 81’, Somit Maharaj own goal 45+1’, Jack Clegg 76’

New Caledonia international Joseph Athale joins Rewa ahead of OFC Champions League

Rewa FC have completed one of their most intriguing signings ahead of the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League, bringing New Caledonia international Joseph Athale to Fiji from professional side Tahiti United.

The 31-year-old arrives with considerable experience in Oceania, France and international football. His versatility should provide Rewa with an important tactical option as the Delta Tigers prepare to represent Fiji in the continental tournament on home soil.

Athale spent the earlier stages of his career playing predominantly in midfield, where he was also given the freedom to move forward and contribute in attacking areas. As his career developed, he became increasingly versatile and has since been deployed as a full-back, central defender and defensive midfielder.

Although he can operate in the centre of defence, Athale has frequently been used on the right side. His coaches have generally allowed him to advance from that position, using his energy, crossing ability and powerful shooting to provide an additional attacking presence.

The New Caledonian represented several leading clubs in his home country before establishing himself with Hienghène Sport. He was part of the club during its historic 2019 season, when Hienghène became the first New Caledonian side to win the OFC Champions League.

The achievement took Hienghène to the FIFA Club World Cup in Qatar, where Athale played the full match against hosts Al Sadd. The Pacific champions produced a strong performance and forced the heavily favoured Qatari side into extra time before eventually losing 3-1.

Athale was one of Hienghène’s most important performers in the match. Playing on the right side of the defence, he made two crucial clearances close to his own goal line and also attempted to threaten Al Sadd from distance.

Hienghène became only the second Pacific Island club from outside New Zealand and Australia to compete at the FIFA Club World Cup, following Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United in 2010.

Athale later faced his new club during the 2022 OFC Champions League. He scored Hienghène’s second goal in a 2-0 quarter-final victory over Rewa, eliminating the Delta Tigers and sending the New Caledonian side into the semi-finals.

He subsequently moved to France to represent Olympique Saint-Quentin, gaining experience in National 2, the fourth level of the French football system. He also featured in National 3, the country’s fifth tier, during his period with the club.

Athale returned to the Pacific to join Tahiti United for the inaugural OFC Pro League, signing the first professional contract of his career. Despite being registered primarily as a defender, he remained highly productive in attacking areas.

He finished the competition with three goals and three assists, becoming one of Tahiti United’s main contributors at both ends of the pitch. His performances included the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Vanuatu United, as well as several dangerous deliveries and forward runs from the right.

Athale also remains an important member of the New Caledonia national team. He scored three goals during the Oceania qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and started the intercontinental play-off against Jamaica.

New Caledonia were narrowly defeated 1-0, but Athale played an influential role in midfield and came close to scoring with an ambitious long-range attempt against Jamaican goalkeeper Andre Blake.

His ability to cover several positions could be particularly useful for Rewa during the OFC Champions League. Athale can strengthen the central defence, play as a full-back or move into midfield, while his offensive qualities offer another option when the Fijian champions need to attack.

The New Caledonian was not included in Rewa’s starting line-up or among the substitutes for their Fiji Premier League match against Nadi following the announcement of his signing. His absence could indicate that he has been recruited specifically for the continental tournament, although this has not been confirmed.

Rewa have been drawn in Group B alongside Vanuatu champions Galaxy FC, Papua New Guinea representatives Lae City FC and Cook Islands side Tupapa Maraerenga. The Delta Tigers will begin their campaign against Galaxy at Churchill Park on 9 August.

The exact nature of Athale’s move has not been disclosed. It remains unclear whether he has joined Rewa permanently, on loan from Tahiti United or through a short-term registration limited to the OFC Champions League.

Players have departed OFC Pro League clubs under different arrangements since the end of the competition, with some having their professional contracts terminated and others moving temporarily on loan. Neither Rewa nor Tahiti United has publicly clarified which arrangement applies to Athale.