OFC leaders credit Gianni Infantino for boosting Oceania’s global football presence and World Cup access.
The Oceania region has truly connected to the global game during the decade under the leadership of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, according to the two leading football officials in the region.
To mark the 10th anniversary of Infantino’s election on February 26, 2016, Oceania Football Confederations (OFC) President Lambert Maltock acknowledged that the FIFA President has used football as an effective tool to unite all corners of the planet.
“And not just by words or lip service, he talks the talk and walks the talk,” says Maltock, pointing to the direct entry into the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the top Oceania team, the increase in OFC age-group teams in FIFA World Cups and Auckland City competing in the recent FIFA Club World Cup.
“No previous FIFA President ever succeeded to accomplish such global unity through football,” says Maltock.
OFC General Secretary Franck Castillo has also seen a genuine shift since Gianni Infantino was elected in the way global football embraces Oceania.
“The FIFA President has consistently ensured that our region is not only heard, but actively supported. His backing was instrumental in New Zealand co-hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup, a milestone that inspired a new generation across the Pacific and showcased Oceania’s capability on the world stage,” says Castillo.
The General Secretary says that FIFA’s focus on development under Infantino has strengthened the foundations of football, from infrastructure and governance to the historic launch of the OFC Pro League, which he describes as “a transformative step for professional football in our region”.
“Over the past ten years, we have seen unprecedented investment and belief in Oceania’s potential. This has empowered OFC to grow with confidence, ambition, and a clear vision for the future,” says Castillo.
OFC President Maltock describes the OFC Pro League as Infantino’s legacy in the region.
“Without the support of President Gianni Infantino, the OFC Professional League would never have happened. Thanks to his constant support, the people of the Pacific are proud to have such a coveted platform for kids around the region to aspire to.”
Maltock points out that Infantino was also the first FIFA President to visit all 11 OFC member associations in 2023.
“His visits to all these island nations brought massive inspirations, encouragement and gratifications from all over Oceania. It was really for the first the whole of Oceania and the Pacific region felt that they truly belonged to the FIFA family.”
During nine years as OFC President, Maltock says Infantino has been the only FIFA President who has put in place regulations and mechanism to fight against all forms of corruptive practices ”within the system and governance of FIFA, as well as on the field play with players and referees and ensure that they are enforced in full terms of the law”.
“For me personally, Gianni Infantino is simply a ‘leader par excellence’ who respects all classes of people throughout all societies across the globe.”
SOURCE: Tavuli News Desk
