The government, Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF), and football supporters will witness the official declaration of eight clubs competing in next year’s Professional League on 29 August.

VFF President Lambert Maltok confirmed the announcement, following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the government and VFF in Port Vila.

With approval from the Council of Ministers, Vanuatu will join other Oceania nations with a professional football club. This milestone makes Vanuatu eligible to participate in the OFC Professional League starting January next year.

“I want to thank the PM, Council of Ministers, and Deputy PM for negotiating this agreement,” Maltok said. “Their support allows us to create the first professional club in Oceania from Vanuatu if we win our bid.”

Maltok highlighted that the vision for transforming football in Oceania began in 2019 and, despite COVID delays, Vanuatu has reached the final stage to establish a professional club.

“I am very confident in the bid documents and trust the government. If we succeed, it will be the first time in history to create a professional club in Vanuatu to compete in the Oceania League,” he added.

OFC is set to officially announce all participating clubs on 29 August, with over 10 clubs from across Oceania including New Zealand, Tahiti, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Australia, and Vanuatu bidding for spots in the Professional League.