OFC President David Chung put pen to paper with the English FA, Spanish FA and New Caledonian Government in separate agreements that will support the development of football and strengthen a variety of social responsibility projects initiated by OFC. A ‘Football for Life’ donation of NZD $25,000 was also made to the Japanese FA to assist with relief efforts after the devastating earthquakes and tsunami that hit the country in March.
The presentations took place in conjunction with the OFC Extraordinary Congress, held at the Hilton Zurich Airport on Monday morning with representatives from each of OFC’s 11 Member Associations in attendance.
Special guests also included FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, Minister of Sport for Papua New Guinea the Hon. Philomen Embel, Minister of Sport for New Caledonia the Hon. Jean Claude Briault, President of Japan Football Association Junji Ogura, President of the Royal Spanish Football Association Angel Maria Villar Ilona and Vice Chairman of The Football Association Barry Bright.
Following an opening video, OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas officially opened the meeting by welcoming all guests and delegates.
President Chung then addressed the Congress, highlighting the successful 100-day plan that has seen a number of milestones achieved since his election in January. He reinforced OFC’s support for President Blatter and expressed gratitude for the work FIFA has done to develop football within Oceania over many years.
In reply, the FIFA President paid tribute to the leadership of Mr Chung and acknowledged the impact he has had on the Confederation since taking over the reigns this year.
The first signing ceremony of the morning involved President Chung and the Honourable Jean Claude Briault of New Caledonia. Both put their signature to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will see OFC work closely with the New Caledonian Government to stage the Pacific Youth and Sports Conference and Sports Ministers’ Meeting in New Caledonia in 2013. It follows on from the inaugural conference in 2010 which proved to be a huge success with around 1000 young people coming together to explore ways to use sport as a tool for development.
OFC also strengthened ties with the English FA and Spanish FA signing agreements with the two member associations. President Chung says the historic signings are a huge boost for football in the Pacific.
“We have built up a strong relationship with The FA in recent times and our partnership now intensifies further as the association confirms it will support the development of OFC technical experts by delivering a range of courses in Oceania over the next two years,” says President Chung.
“OFC is also grateful to the Royal Spanish Football Assosciation who have agreed to support the Confederation in a variety of areas. This includes securing media rights for major competitions, supporting OFC in its social responsibilty projects, implementing an exchange program for players, teams and officials, assisting with World Cup preparations and many other initiatives.”
Aside from the presentations, OFC’s football family were presented the financial accounts which show Oceania’s football governing body is in a healthy position. A number of minor amendments to the statutes were also addressed.
The OFC Congress is the most important cog in the governing body’s wheel and normally meets every two years but in recent times has taken place annually in an extraordinary meeting.
This year it coincides with the 61st FIFA Congress which takes place on 1 June and will involve the delegates representing OFC’s 11 Member Associations.