A major milestone was achieved in Fijian football with the launch of Bula FC, the first professional football franchise in the country. The event unfolded at the Fiji Football Association headquarters in Vatuwaqa, Suva, where Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel introduced the club chairman, Marc McElrath, who described this moment as historic for Fijian football.
McElrath shared his enthusiasm about the club’s inception, calling it the realization of a long-cherished dream for Fiji to engage in professional club football. He underscored the significance this venture holds for young, aspiring footballers, stating, “It now presents an opportunity for every child, every teenager, every footballer in Fiji to become a professional player.” This initiative opens doors for local talent to demonstrate their abilities on international platforms, paving the way for potential opportunities in larger overseas markets.
The launch also saw the appointment of young administrator Anushil Kumar as the acting chief executive officer and Naziah Ali Krishna as the acting chief commercial officer. Kumar expressed his appreciation to Patel and Fiji FA CEO Mohammed Yusuf for their backing during his journey, referring to Bula FC’s launch as a game changer for the sport in Fiji. Ali-Krishna highlighted the essential role of media in fostering football as a unifying sport for the community.
Bula FC is set to make its debut in the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Pro League, which is scheduled to begin in January 2026. This league will see teams from other Pacific islands competing, thereby enhancing the competitive landscape for local players.
The establishment of Bula FC signifies the dawn of a new era in Fijian football, aligning with efforts to construct a robust league system akin to successful franchises like the Fijian Drua in rugby. This evolution has the potential to increase visibility, raise competitive standards, and foster community engagement within the sport, suggesting a promising future for aspiring athletes in Fiji.
With a solid foundation now in place, there is optimism that Bula FC will nurture local talent and tap into the fervor for football throughout Fiji, serving as a key driver for the sport’s expansion and strengthening its presence within the Oceania region.