OFC News

Football superstar Christian Karembeu launched the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) O-League at a packed Press Conference in Auckland today.

The dreadlocked Karembeu delighted the gathering with his views on the game in the region and vowed to return in February to oversee the first stages of the competition, perhaps with some friends from the French-winning 1998 FIFA World Cup team.

"My aim is to help young people from the South Pacific know they can fulfill their dreams of playing football. But it is not just about football. It is about health, education, literacy - this is important."

Karembeu - who won the FIFA World Cup, Euro 2000, FIFA Confederations Cup and two UEFA Champions Leagues - cheekily added the O-League was one trophy that had eluded him.

When asked by a journalist if he would consider coming out of retirement, Karembeu joked he had already signed for AS Mont Dore and would be back for the first game.

"No, I am retired now, but the O-League can give Oceania the chance to have players show what they can do and go to the FIFA Club World Cup. I support this idea."

Auckland City defender and former Middlesbrough team-mate, Dean Gordon, said Karembeu's decision to help the OFC was a major coup.

"When Christian signed for Middlesbrough we were delighted to have him in the FA Premiership. Everybody loved him he's a great guy and a great footballer. When I heard he was coming to New Zealand I was shocked because he is so famous. What he is doing for the game in New Zealand and Oceania is fantastic."

OFC General Secretary, Tai Nicholas, said the O-League was an important step in raising the popularity of football in the pacific islands and added it was also important in raising the profile of the NZFC.

"We have a problem because a tournament under the old format, played over ten days, meant we couldn't say we had a true club champion. Now - with a home and away format - we can attract more people to the games. For example, in the Solomon Islands, it is possible to have 20,000 people at the game, maybe some locked outside and others trying to gain a view from surrounding areas. This is what the O-League can bring to our member associations."

One feature of the Press Conference was the Battle of Auckland featuring Auckland City and Waitakere United. Both NZFC clubs have been drawn alongside AS Mont Dore of New Caledonia in Group A. Only one club can progress from the Group stage and Auckland City chairman, Ivan Vuksich, said the prospect of engaging their deadly rivals in the O-League was exciting.

"I think it is disappointing we can't be in separate groups. But, yes, we're looking forward to it. Rex (Dawkins) is a competitive person; I'm a competitive person; the matches should be great."

Waitakere United coach Rex Dawkins was adamant his side would seize their chance to shine on the international stage.

""We only knew of the opportunity to play some weeks ago so while we might be behind in the planning stakes we are honored to be given such a chance and will take it with both hands. Waitakere United is about our region of West Auckland and the 12 member clubs that support us in the NZFC. We now have the opportunity to represent those clubs, supporters, sponsors and Waitakere City Council on the world stage. We will do our best to do so with pride and a determination to win through the group and compete in the home and away final."

New Zealand defender Danny Hay said the "This will be a real test for us to go to New Caledonia and pick up a result against Mont Dore, let alone do battle with Auckland City on more familiar turf. Conditions will be difficult, the culture different and the style of football new to most of our players. This is not about enjoying a few days break in the sun, this is about one of the toughest football matches and series of matches that most players in New Zealand could ever hope to experience. It is a great challenge and one we must ensure we are ready for next year."

Christian Karembeu recently returned from Vanuatu where he helped promote football in the primary schools and hoped to do more work for OFC when he returned in February, 2007.

The Government of Vanuatu, the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), together with the Vanuatu Football Federation and the European Commission, have agreed to the organisation of a national football championship for primary school students in year 5 and 6.

All partners have agreed to use football as a vehicle for addressing education issues in the country. OFC President Reynald Temarii said the programme was essential to help children in Vanuatu gain an education, a country where only 70% of children attend primary school.

OFC Ambassador Christian Karembeu was on hand to help bring the Futsal dream to come true. The former France international said the trip to Vanuatu was an amazing experience.

"When we arrived in Vanuatu we were treated like Kings, it was a great experience. But after that, we worked hard every day to try and make the dream of using futsal to help education in the country work. It was a very tough schedule but worthwhile", Karembeu said.

OFC President Reynald Temarii said using football as a vehicle to implement the Vanuatu education strategy was a key element to reaching out children amongst the 62 islands in Vanuatu.

"Each team will be made up of 5 players - 4 will be boys, 1 will be a girl. This is in line with the EU's desire to promote female participation in sport and education. Once a champion team is found from each island we will play a provincial tournament with the final being played on November 20th 2007 - Universal Children's Day."

Temarii said the two finalists would then combine to make one team that would play at the 2008 OFC U12 Festival of Football in Noumea, New Caledonia, and for a qualifying spot at the Danone Cup in France.

The cost of setting up the Vanuatu Futsal National Tournament would be split three ways between OFC, VFF, and the European Union.

"The VFF expressed a wish to adopt the French technical system. We wanted to listen to the people of Vanuatu and hear their needs and so have appointed the technical responsibilities to John Crawford and James Doyen."

Both men have had an extensive association with French World Cup winning coach Aime Jacquet.

PNGFA and the football family of Papua New Guinea is in mourning following the death of one of its youngest refereeing talents.

Leslie Auis passed away after collapsing in the field while being an assistant in the 2006 NSL semi- finals at the LFA Park in Lae last Saturday.

He was taken to the Angau Memorial Hospital but pronounced dead by the doctor at arrival.

Leslie was a lover of the game at an early age before he joined the Technical group in his Local Association (LFA) and then later became a well recognised level 4 referee of PNGFA after attending refereeing courses.

Just recently Aius passed the FIFA referee fitness test and was select by PNGFA for FIFA referees nomination for 2007.

However, Aius's untimely death has shocked PNGFA executives, secretariat staff, colleagues, the local football community. Aius's family and relatives are reeling from the loss.

Aius was currently in his late 20s taking up a new task assisting in the PNG NSL semi-professional completion upon selection by NSL.

Leslie Aius's death is a big loss in soccer to PNGFA and the soccer Family in Papua New Guinea. We mourn this great loss.

He won the 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 2000 UEFA European Championship and the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup with France. He won the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid. He is Christian Karembeu.

The former interntional midfielder - who won 53 caps for France - arrived in New Zealand yesterday to help launch the 2007 OFC Champions League.

Karembeu was born in New Caledonia on December 3rd, 1970, and played club football for AS Magenta before taking up a contract in the French First Division with Nantes FC. Karembeu helped Nantes FC secure a league championship before he gained a transfer to Serie A with Sampdoria.

Karembeu's successes with the French international side led to a transfer to Real Madrid and UEFA Champions League success. He then joined Bryan Robson at FA Premiership club Middlesbrough.

Karembeu continued his winning ways late into his career and won two league championships in Greece with Olympiakos. Karembeu retired in 2005 after short spells with Servette and Bastia.

Since retiring the 35 year old has played an active role in the Oceania Football Confederation as a FIFA and OFC Ambassador for the game. Earlier in 2006, Karembeu joined OFC President Reynald Temarii at the Pacific Youth Festival and met with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community to discuss issues such as literacy, health and education with Director-General Dr. Jimmie Rodgers.

"These challenges are very important to the people of the South Pacific and football can be used to help the young people of the region to improve their lives. I am very happy to be involved with the Oceania Football Confederation in this cause", Karembeu said.

Karembeu will be on hand to help launch the new OFC Champions League competition in Auckland next week and will appear on Sky TV's World of Football alongside Fred de Jong and Dennis Katsanos.

Exact details of the OFC Champions League launch will be made public in the next 24 hours.

Malaita Football Association has a new president. He is Derrick Taka-former General Secretary of the football association. Taka stood unopposed.

SIFF Vice President Stanley Siapu who presided over the elections held at the Malaita Provincial capital reported that it went smoothly.

The MFA has a four year term as stipulated in their current constitution. Their term lapsed as of August 2006 however due to heavy commitment in soccer the elections were put off till November 2006.

A 14 day notice was given out to area associations to pay up their affiliation fees however only two responded.

Outgoing president Paul Sara explained the nature of the non payment of fees hence those not paying were not eligible to attend and vote during such an election.

Nominations were called for in the morning of Friday 17th November and closed the midday the same day.

The vacant posts are; president, Senior Vice President, Vice President, General Secretary, Treasurer and three ordinary members.

According to SIFF Vice President, Siapu, only the post of the vice president received two nominations the rest had only one nomination.

The new Malaita Football Association executive are;

* President- Derrick Taka

* Snr. Vice President - Francis Anisilaua

* Vice President - Jason Mae Siru

* General Secretary- Paul Sara Lau

* Treasurer - Themeus Waledala

* Three ordinary members to be co-opted

SIFF Vice President, Stanley Siapu has called on the new Malaita Football Association executive to encourage and facilitate all area football associations around the province to pay their affiliation fees to MFA.

He raised this issue because majority of smaller football associations did not pay up their membership fees therefore considered illegible to vote.

Siapu congratulated the new executive and reminded them to create a level field to play both on and off field to improve administration and operational activities of MFA.

"In doing so the executive has to have a new standardize version of the FIFA Statutes and Constitution as adopted by SIFF."

The SIFF Vice President also told the MFA executive to work closely and together with area associations to foster a more solid and unified relationship, hence improved and sustained football development in Malaita Province.

PRK Souths and Gelle Hills will meet in the PNGNSL Grand Final following semi-final victories at the weekend in Lae.

PRK Souths triumphed on penalties against a AK Madang Fox side that failed to convert any of their spot-kicks after the two sides were locked at 2-2 in extra-time.

Claudie Gannu had given AK Madang Fox the lead and solid defending from Rodney Charlie, Glen Mark, Rodney Bailey and Stanis Gufino kept PRK Souths at bay until the break.

PRK Souths midfielders Kennedy Yori, Barnabas Mesubua and Abraham Iniga led the fightback creating a raft opportunities for strikers Jack Samani and Kema Jack.

PRK Souths got the equalizer from an indirect freekick after Kema Jack rifled the ball past the wall into the back of the net.

Claude Gannu wasted no time in hauling Gelle Hills back into the tie pouncing on sloppy defending to make it 2-1. Kema Jack then sent the match into extra-time when he scored from a PRK South corner kick.

Gannu's goal and all round performance earned him the Ela Motors K100 Man of the Match award with Solomon Island international striker, Jack Samani, also turning in a fine performance.

Controversy reigned in the other semi-final between TL Blue Kumuls and Gelle Hills. The fixture was called off on Saturday due to fading light conditions with the score locked at 0-0 and was replayed on Sunday.

Sunday proved to be a goalfest with Hills sending out shock-waves obtaining a 3-0 lead. Hill's lynch-pin Niel Hans cracked a sensational double while Franco Tulem bagged the other.

Gelle Hills beat the Blue Kumuls 6-5 in an extra time of 30 minutes played.

PRK Souths United and Gelle Hills United FCs will play the grand final in Port Moresby to decide who runs away with the K50,000 first price money in the next weekend at the Bisini Oval.

Oceania Football Confederation president Reynald Temarii and FA Chairman, Geoffrey Thompson, have signed an agreement that will see the English FA provide technical assistance for the development of football in the OFC.

The first member associations to benefit from the agreement will be the Fiji Football Association and the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF).

Fiji Football Association President Dr. M.S. Sahu Khan and SIFF President Martin Alufuhri were delighted with the initiative that will see The FA provide specialised training courses in elite player development, referee development, youth development and women's and girl's football development.

OFC General Secretary, Tai Nicholas, said the agreement fit with "the OFC vision" that aims to build the Pacific Community using football as a development tool.

"Getting good results on the football pitch is important but so is looking after the community that comprises the OFC football family. This agreement with The FA was made in the spirit of that ideal and we are confident it will be a success."

The FA will also provide Annual Mentor Training specialising in Coach and Player Development for up to 25 potential tutors.

The co-operation agreement between The FA and OFC will provide on-line resources and distance learning for member associations and provide technical resources for youth development, Community football programmes and assistance for the development of women's football.

At present, FA Referee Development Officer, John Baker, is in Auckland, New Zealand helping establish a referee education and training structure alongside the OFC Head of Technical Department, Jim Selby.

The Tahiti Football Federation (FTF) celebrated the inauguration of their Technical Development Centre in Pirae following the Oceania Football Confederation Extraordinary Congress yesterday.

FIFA Vice-President Jack Warner, FIFA General Secretary Dr. Urs Linsi, FTF President Eugene Haereraaroa, OFC President Reynald Temarii, and representatives from other confederations and local Tahitian clubs gathered to mark the opening of the federation's first ever dedicated to football only training facility.

FTF's Eugene Haereraaroa said the Technical Development Centre would enable the FTF to implement a raft of Development Programmes to help prepare national teams from all levels to prepare for OFC tournaments.

Haereraaroa said it was also a clear indication of FTF's commitment to improving women's and youth football and represented an investment for the health of future football in Tahiti.

AS Pirae striker, Naea Bennett, and his father, Errol Bennett, were amongst those in attendance and both were optimistic that the Technical Development Centre would be beneficial for Tahitian football.

The Goal project took just 14 weeks to construct and will cater for the marked increase in numbers of children playing football throughout Tahiti. The French-Polynesian Government made a significant contribution to the project with the provision of land.

FTF were have also created a Beach Soccer training facility in partnership with a neighbouring primary school.

Local Pirae authorities assisted FTF to obtain all the necessary approvals and permits and necessary landscaping.

The Oceania Football Confederation celebrated its 40th Anniversary at its Extraordinary Congress at the Radisson Hotel in Papeete, Tahiti last night.

Guests and representatives from AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, UEFA, the French Football Federation, The English FA, Korean Football Association, gathered alongside representatives from the eleven OFC member associations to celebrate the occasion.

FIFA Vice-President and CONCACAF President, Jack Warner, represented Sepp Blatter and FIFA and said the similarities between his own confederation and OFC were many.

"CONCACAF and OFC share many challenges; we have long distances to travel; we have the expenses of this travel and there are some people who think we are merely specks of dust in an ocean. But we are much more than that; we have overcome these great challenges to be a success in our own right."

OFC Honorary President, Charlie Dempsey, 85, was on hand to witness the 40th Anniversary celebration and shared his views on the history of the youngest confederation with the audience.

"People have always asked me what it was like to work in football. That always made me smile; I never considered it work, I enjoyed doing what I did and I'm very proud to see the Oceania Football Confederation celebrate its 40th birthday. 40 years is a long time and the highlight for me was 1996 when we became a full confederation."

FIFA President Sepp Blatter - unable to attend because of dental surgery - sent a message of congratulations via DVD and thanked Charlie Dempsey for all his hard work.

"We have to pay tribute to the leader of the OFC the monumental Charlie Dempsey. We have to pay big big thanks and gratitude to him for all he has done.

You have a new team, a young and energetic team and what they have done in just a few years has been impressive. My message to you is a message of courage, of hope. Use your energy.

You are a young confederation; you have been accepted by 170 votes to just 1 against. The whole of the football family was happy to give you the status of a full confederation."

Sepp Blatter said the youthful qualities of Reynald Temarii and Tai Nicholas painted a bright future for the OFC.

Following the conclusion of the OFC Extraordinary Congress, OFC and its guests attended the inauguration of the National Technical Centre Tahiti Football Federation Goal Project in Pirae.

President of French-Polynesia, Mr. Oscar Temaru, spoke to the gathering before inviting them to the Presidential residence for cocktails.

The OFC Congress also witnessed the admission of four new associate members in Niue, Palau, Tuvalu, and the Federated States of Micronesia.

UEFA Vice-President, Marius Lefkaritis, and UEFA CEO Lars-Christer Olsson, joined the OFC Strategic Workshop in Bora Bora on its third day.

Lefkaritis and Christer-Olsson expressed a willingness to assist OFC in developing technically and improving infrastructure and illustrated UEFA's track record of helping other confederations and member associations improve.

Lefkaritis said UEFA had established relationships with CONMEBOL, AFC (through Vision Asia), and CAF and a relationship with OFC was desirable. He said UEFA had a long established track record of assisting emerging nations in the development of the game.

"With the break-up of the USSR and the so-called Socialist countries in the late 1980's, early 1990's, eleven new national associations emerged. UEFA identified the needs of each individual organisation and helped implement tailor-made development programmes to encourage improvement in education and infrastructure."

UEFA's relationship with CONMEBOL included the World Club Cup clash between the champions of each confederation and revenue had been gathered and split and invested where necessary.

AFC received administrative guidance and technical education in different member associations. UEFA had implemented an "adoption" scheme in CAF, where member associations of similar size from both confederations co-operated together in areas of administration and technical to learn from each other.

OFC General Secretary, Tai Nicholas, said UEFA had always illustrated an enthusiasm to be involved in technical development within the OFC, but that OFC had not been in a structural position to participate in such a relationship.

Christer-Olsson said the impact of such relationships depended upon the realisation that it was not a one way communication but an exchange of views.