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American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga all made a welcome return to the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking following a challenging period for the Polynesian nations.
The recent 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands provided the stage as all OFC member associations (MA) – other than New Zealand – lined up in the men’s and women’s football tournament at the quadrennial multisport event. For many of the participating nations an increased level of FIFA funding via the Forward 3.0 programme aided preparation for the tournament.
Few places in the world face as many challenges as Pacific-based nations when it comes to playing regular international football. That is particularly true for Polynesian countries based at the eastern end of the OFC’s footprint where limited travel options, considerable expense and sheer geographic remoteness present major obstacles.
“It is critical for all nations to play international football as an important pathway to success,” said Sanjeevan Balasingam, Director Member Associations Asia & Oceania. “Sustained success at the international level requires long term planning to develop capacities and teams.
“The excessive cost of domestic and international travel across Oceania given the geography of the region and the impact of Covid-19 more recently, has exacerbated existing issues, and constrained the available resources for national team participation.
“The increase in FIFA Forward funds will enable MAs to better invest in the critical success factors such as improved systems, and human capacities. It will also improve national team preparation and increase participation at international competitions on an annual basis.”
