Football Australia Signs MOU with Oceania Football Federation

Football Australia has signed a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), reinforcing long-standing ties and setting a formal framework for collaboration across governance, competitions, and development through to 2029.

Signed at the 2025 Australian Football Leadership Summit in Sydney by Football Australia Chair Anter Isaac and OFC President Lambert Maltock, the MoU is positioned as a strategic alignment that will see both parties exchange expertise and resources to strengthen football in the Pacific region.

While the two organisations have worked closely over the past decades, particularly during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and through continued Pacific sports diplomacy programs, this agreement formalises their cooperation and introduces new initiatives aimed at mutual benefit.

Key components of the MoU include joint efforts on player pathways, coach and referee education, international fixtures, and administrative training.

Importantly, it confirms Football Australia’s support for the launch of the OFC Pro League in 2026, a new professional competition aimed at elevating club football across Oceania. Australia will assist in its development through the sharing of technical and regulatory expertise.

Commercial Implications of the MOU

This move may open new broadcasting and sponsorship opportunities tied to the OFC Pro League’s development, with potential implications for talent pipelines feeding into Australian competitions.

While the MoU does not confirm Australian club participation in the new league, Football Australia has signalled willingness to support such involvement, provided domestic commitments are not compromised.

The agreement also highlights Football Australia’s intent to learn from OFC’s governance frameworks.

OFC has made notable strides in regulatory and administrative leadership, and Football Australia sees value in applying those practices to strengthen its own internal capabilities—particularly in fostering emerging executive talent.

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