“We are very proud to have a referee from our competitions be called upon for this upcoming OFC tournament,” explained FFAS President Faiivae Iuli Alex Godinet.
“I wish him good luck on the tournament.”
The OFC appointed Aliva, 33, to only his second OFC tournament as a match official. He lives in Leone with his wife Anoimalo and their seven kids.
In October 2013 he was appointed as a match official for the 2014 OFC Champions League Preliminary which was held in American Samoa, and served as a referee. Aliva did not call a game but was a fourth official for one of the matches.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for me to be called upon for this tournament,” Aliva said.
“I have been training physically for it and also studying the FIFA Laws of the Game and applying it during our competitions in preparation for this tournament.”
Aliva departs February 13 and he and other match officials from around Oceania will be put through a fitness test before the tournament gets underway.
“Uini is our best referee and I believe he will do great if called upon to referee one of the tournament’s matches,” pointed out FFAS CEO Tavita Taumua.
“So all the best to him from our association and especially from his fellow referees and assistant referees.”