Oceania Football Confederation General Secretary Franck Castillo has announced he will depart the organisation to take on a new position as Director of Football for Schools at FIFA, bringing to a close a highly impactful chapter in Oceania football.
Castillo was appointed General Secretary in July 2018 after holding the position in an acting capacity since January of that year, and he has overseen one of the most transformative periods in the confederation’s history. Across his eight years in the role and 17 years with the organisation as a whole, he has driven significant advancements in professionalism, governance and football development across the region.
Expressing his strong appreciation and respect for Mr Castillo’s impact, Oceania Football Confederation President Lambert Maltock said:
“Franck has been an exceptional General Secretary for the Oceania Football Confederation. During his tenure, he has strengthened the professionalism of our administration, elevated our competitions, and deepened engagement with our Member Associations across the region. His leadership has helped position OFC with greater credibility and purpose on the global stage. While we are naturally saddened to see him leave, we are immensely proud that his abilities have been recognised with an important role at FIFA. We thank Franck for his outstanding service and wish him every success in this next chapter.”
Among Mr Castillo’s notable achievements was the launch of the OFC Pro League, marking the establishment of Oceania’s first professional league, an historic milestone that has reshaped the football landscape in the region.
He has played a key role in modernising the confederation, implementing key governance and financial reforms that have strengthened the foundations of football across OFC’s 13 Member Associations.
His leadership helped bring to life OFC’s Home of Football – Te Kahu o Kiwa in Auckland, creating a dedicated hub for football in Oceania and a permanent home for the confederation’s operations.
Mr Castillo has been a strong advocate for inclusivity and development. He supported the successful bid for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ co-hosted in New Zealand and Australia, reinforcing OFC’s commitment to gender equality and the growth of the women’s game.
Having first joined the organisation as the Head of Social Responsibility in 2009, Mr Castillo implemented the OFC Just Play Programme, promoting learning through play, which has reached 500,000 children aged between 6-18 years across Oceania.
Reflecting on his time with OFC, Castillo said:
“Leaving OFC is not an easy decision for me. This organisation has been a huge part of my life for nearly two decades, and the people and the region mean so much to me. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, and I leave with great confidence in the future of football in Oceania. While I am excited for this next chapter with FIFA, OFC will always hold a special place in my heart.”
He now embarks on an exciting new chapter with football’s global governing body at the FIFA offices in Paris.
Mr Castillo’s appointment at FIFA reflects both his outstanding contribution to football in Oceania and the global recognition of his leadership and vision. His legacy will be felt across the region for years to come.
The OFC Executive Committee has appointed Chief Operating Officer Frederic Guillemont as Acting General Secretary, as the organisation continues to build on the strong platform established under Mr Castillo’s tenure.