Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek

The Oceania Football Confederation’s (OFC) strong partnership with Football Australia and the Australian Government has paved the way for inviting Australian-based clubs to express their interest in participating in the OFC Professional League, set to kick off in 2026. 

OFC’s consideration of an Australian based club reflects the strong Pacific communities across Australia and the ease of travel access to Pacific nations. This inclusion also brings significant benefits, including increased visibility and market reach, enhanced competitive standards, stronger economic and cultural links, and new development pathways for Pacific players. An Australian team would also help strengthen regional ties, inspire new partnership opportunities, and contribute to the growth of football across Oceania.

OFC, along with Football Australia are pleased to invite parties interested in learning more about the concept to a briefing session in Brisbane on Tuesday, November 12, at 6.00pm local. The event will be held at the Rydges South Bank Hotel in the Podium 5 Meeting Room.

Parties wishing to attend the briefing session-either in person or by video link-are requested to register by email at [email protected].

Background and Context

In 2019, the OFC Executive Committee set out to determine the viability of a professional competition for men’s football in the Oceania Region.

This is a key component of the OFC Vision to have two teams from the Oceania region participate and compete at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 26™ and a crucial chapter in the OFC Strategy 2023-2026.

As part of this, an OFC Professional League Taskforce was formed, comprising of several key figures from the Region and beyond, all with expertise in professionalisation of sport and charged with determining the validity and feasibility of this new premier competition.

The OFC Professional League Taskforce has been supplemented with independent advisory members in various disciplines, ensuring all information gathered is variable, helpful and facilitates progress in the formation of the league in 2026.

What is the OFC Professional League?

The OFC Professional League is a forward-thinking initiative designed to propel football in Oceania to new heights, create meaningful opportunities for players and clubs, and establish a professional structure that can compete at a global level.

This league will create essential pathways for talent development, allowing young players to grow within a professional environment and reducing the need to seek opportunities abroad. By fostering professional structures, it enhances player and club development while stimulating economic growth through sponsorships and local business engagement.

Beyond football, the league strengthens community ties and regional unity, promoting shared growth and collaboration among OFC Member Associations. It also increases the Region’s visibility, attracting international recognition and opportunities, aligning with OFC’s strategic goals to professionalise football and create a sustainable, high-quality product that benefits players, clubs and fans alike.

This is a new standalone competition that would run in addition to the current OFC Men’s Champions League as well as the national domestic leagues across OFC’s Member Associations.

How will it work?

The OFC Executive Committee has been presented with a variety of formats that are suitable for a competition that would span several countries across the Pacific.

It is a key outcome of the OFC Professional League that all Member Associations are part of this ongoing professionalisation of the sport, providing opportunities for clubs, coaches, referees, and administrators, promoting good governance off the field, and rewarding exceptional performance on the field.

The eventual formation and composition of the league would be established in a way which would enhance the current national domestic league set-up across each Member Association and ensure players can play at the highest possible level for longer.