Football Australia and OFC enter agreement to grow Pacific football

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Image Credit: Mark Metcalfe / GETTY Images

Football Australia and the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) have entered into a new agreement with the aim of advancing the development of football in the Pacific.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, strengthening a long-standing partnership and creating opportunities for collaboration through to 2029.

Football Australia Chairman, Anter Isaac, and OFC President, Lambert Maltock, signed the agreement on August 25 2025 at the Australian Football Leadership Summit in Sydney.

The Memorandum of Understanding states that the two organisations will collaborate on player pathways, coach and referee development, competitions and international matches, governance and administration excellence, knowledge-sharing and the delivery of social responsibility programs across the Pacific.

This partnership will strengthen football in both Australia and Oceania through shared opportunities and the exchange of best practices.

Anter Isaac, Chairman of Football Australia commented on the continued partnership.

“Football Australia and the Oceania Football Confederation share a partnership built on decades of collaboration, respect and shared ambition. This Memorandum of Understanding reinforces our relationship as a cornerstone of regional cooperation and sets the foundation for long-term collaboration that benefits us both,” said Isaac in a press release.

“We are committed to learning from each other – from OFC’s disciplined governance and administrative frameworks to the opportunities that Australia can provide in pathways, competition, and technical expertise.”

The agreement also solidifies Football Australia’s backing for the launch of the OFC Pro League, scheduled to commence in 2026.

Football Australia will help ensure the League launches and operates successfully by sharing technical, governance, regulatory, and competition expertise.

This creates a clear pathway toward professionalism and qualification for international competitions, benefiting both clubs and players across Oceania.

Lambert Maltock, President of the Oceania Football Confederation shared his view on the agreement.

“Working with Football Australia will bring new opportunities, resources, and expertise that will benefit players, coaches, referees and communities across the Pacific,” said Maltock via press release.

“This directly connects with OFC’s strategic pillars: Development, Education, and High Performance and will pave the way to success both on and off the pitch, while also building stronger ties between our nations.”

Crucially, the Memorandum of Understanding acknowledges that Football Australia will gain valuable insights into the OFC’s proven governance and administrative strategies.

These insights will inform Football Australia’s individual programs, ensuring both parties benefit from this partnership.

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Bundesliga DNA to the Boardroom: German-born Martin Kugeler Takes the Helm at Football Australia

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Image Credit: Stan

German-born executive, Martin Kugeler, shaped by Europe’s football culture and based in Australia since 2009, will step in as Football Australia CEO in February as the game eyes a defining 2026.

Reaching new heights

During the press conference held earlier this morning, Kugeler displayed both confidence and ambition as he prepares to lead a new era for Football Australia next month.

“Football in Australia has a strong foundation for growth. Our national impact is massive,” he said, highlighting both the immense number of participants and local clubs in Australia. He then continued to underline both the Socceroos and the Matildas as valuable assets in the nation’s football sphere.

“We have exceptional national teams that continually make us proud. They perform at a truly global scale and unite not only the football community, but the entire nation.”

With both the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the FIFA Men’s World Cup both on the horizon in 2026, the year certainly represents a huge opportunity for both the men’s and women’s game to showcase Australian footballing talent on an international scale. But the focus, as Krugeler underlined, will extend beyond the national team and address all levels of football in Australia to help the game grow.

“Football brings people and communities together. For a healthy lifestyle, for connection, for enjoyment, for belonging, powered by a remarkable, passion [and] dedicated players, referees, coaches, volunteers and fans,” he continued.

An inspiring reminder to all those involved in the game across Australia, and one which will hopefully show participants and stakeholders at all levels that 2026 will begin a new period of stability, growth and innovation.

 

Expertise, passion and ambition

Of course, the dawn of a new era for Football Australia cannot be successfully achieved without addressing the past and current issues, while still keeping an ambitious eye on what football can become at both national and international level for Australia.

Alongside Kugeler in the FA leadership team will be Football Australia Chair, Anter Isaac, as well as former Matilda, and current interim CEO of Football Australia, Heather Garriock. With their combined industry expertise and true passion for the game, all fans, players and stakeholders can be optimistic for the future of football governance in Australia.

But while expertise and passion are undoubtedly valuable assets for the FA, it remains essential that these help to inform the decisions and solutions made with the game’s best interests at heart.

 

 

 

 

‘We Can Do So Much More’: Players Take Control of the A-League Women’s Future

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Image Credit: One Nil

Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has launched Ready For Takeoff – The Players’ Vision for the A-League Women, a player-led roadmap outlining the future direction of the domestic women’s competition.

Unveiled on Wednesday at Ultra Football in Melbourne, the initiative places current A-League Women players at the centre of discussion. Elevating the debate around professionalism, sustainability and long-term growth of the league.

The Players’ Vision for the A-League Women – Image Credit: One Nil

The vision, developed through consultation with players across the competition, calls for improved professional standards, greater investment and governance structures that reflect the specific needs of the women’s game. It comes amid ongoing conversations about contract security, season length and the transition toward full-time professionalism.

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch – Image Credit: One Nil

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch said players had been clear about the sacrifices required to continue competing in the league.

“We’ve heard from players about the struggle and sacrifices they continue to make to play the game they love, but we can do so much more than this,” Busch said. “A fully professional game here in Australia is crucial to creating the next generation of Matildas, but also to ensure we reach our potential and win a FIFA World Cup.”

PFA Deputy Chair Elise Kellond-Knight and A-League Women players Grace Maher and Dylan Holmes also addressed media, reinforcing the importance of player voices in shaping the future of the competition.

The PFA said Ready For Takeoff provides a clear, achievable framework for the continued evolution of the A-League Women. The initiative urges stakeholders to work collaboratively with players to ensure the league’s growth matches the talent, ambition and momentum of women’s football in Australia.

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