Fiji’s Rajesh Patel, Lambert Maltock of Vanuatu and Lee Harmon of Cook Islands were unanimously elected to the positions, which will see them provide close support to the re-elected OFC President David Chung over the 2015-2019 term.
“I would like to congratulate all three of our Vice-Presidents and look forward to working closely with them on developing our united vision for the Confederation,” Chung extended.
Being elevated to OFC Vice-President was surprising, but an incredibly welcome honour for Maltock, Vanuatu Football Federation President.
“It’s something I’ve been working for for a long time, but it was still unexpected,” he said.
“It’s not a privilege but a responsibility to help the President with his vision to develop football in Oceania.
“My hope is that the last four years have laid the foundation for the next four years and it is good to continue with the leadership of David Chung and what he has in mind for OFC to be competitive on the field and off.”
Patel, Fiji’s President, shares his colleague’s optimism and excitement for the future.
“I’m very pleased to be elected a Vice-President of OFC. It shows the Member Association’s confidence in me but by the same token, the huge responsibility of representing all 11 OFC MAs,” Patel said.
“With David Chung I want to give my all to take Oceania football to greater heights. It will be a challenge being appointed to Vice-President for the first time, but also a great opportunity to help take the OFC vision and the vision of FIFA to the next step.”
The appointment of three Vice-Presidents is a first for the OFC Executive Committee following a decision at the 23rd Ordinary Congress to replace the previous roles of Senior Vice-President, President and Treasurer.