Changes announced for OFC Nations Cup 2024

The eagerly anticipated OFC Men’s Nations Cup, set to take place next month, has undergone significant changes with the relocation of Group B games from Luganville in Espiritu Santo island, Vanuatu, to Suva, Fiji. This decision comes amidst concerns over flight schedules, particularly with Air Vanuatu, prompting the need for swift adjustments to ensure the smooth running of the tournament.

Air Vanuatu’s inability to guarantee flights from Port Vila to Santo, coupled with security concerns, has led to the redirection of the Group B matches. While Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) will still host Group A matches in Port Vila, involving New Caledonia, New Zealand, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, the Group B encounters featuring Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Tahiti will now grace Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium.

The decision to relocate the games follows exhaustive efforts by the VFF to find viable solutions amidst uncertain flight schedules. Consequently, the OFC Executive Committee opted to shift the matches to Suva, ensuring the continuity of the tournament without compromising the safety and convenience of participating teams and fans.

Furthermore, the semi-final originally slated for Luganville has been moved to Port Vila, consolidating the venue for both semi-final clashes, the third-place playoff, and the final. Additionally, the play-off matches for 5th and 7th place have regrettably been canceled due to logistical challenges.

To accommodate the adjustments and allow ample time for traveling teams to prepare, the semi-finals have been rescheduled a day earlier, now set to take place on June 27, with the final remaining on June 30, as initially planned.

The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has been at the forefront of managing these changes, prioritizing the integrity and success of the tournament. Despite recent concerns raised by the OFC President regarding the possibility of tournament cancellation, the collective efforts of stakeholders have prevailed, ensuring the continuation of this prestigious event for the betterment of football in the region.