Construction of a multi-purpose football academy and stadium complex in Lomolomo, Fiji, is scheduled to commence in March, as confirmed by Fiji Football Association (FFA) Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Yusuf in an exclusive interview. The project has already seen an investment of over $350,000 to secure necessary permits for the first phase of development.
The ambitious initiative, funded largely by FIFA, aims to not only enhance local football infrastructure but also to provide accommodation units to foster sports tourism. Yusuf highlighted the potential benefits of this development: “Teams can come, stay there, and then come in to train at the academy facilities, doing a package together.” This approach not only aims to elevate Fiji’s football profile but also to lay a solid foundation for future generations of athletes.
Initially, the stadium was designed with a capacity for 20,000 spectators. However, following feasibility studies that took Fiji’s weather conditions into account, the plan has been adjusted to a more manageable 15,000 seats to avoid the facility becoming underutilized. While there have been requests from stakeholders to expand seating to 25,000, Yusuf noted that such an increase would require FIFA’s approval due to the nature of the funding.
The financial backing for this project includes a significant FIFA grant, along with plans for supplementary funding from the FFA through bank loans. The estimated total cost of the stadium is $20 million, of which $15 million will come from FIFA’s infrastructure development funds allocated over four cycles from 2026 to 2029. The remaining $5 million is projected to be sourced through bank loans to ensure the project is completed on schedule.
The FFA’s plan involves executing the project in three phases, targeting completion by 2029. Yusuf announced that the timeline anticipates phase one by the end of 2027, phase two by the end of 2028, and phase three by the end of 2029. He expressed optimism, stating, “Things may change if we can acquire more funding, etc., things may change and work faster,” indicating a possibility for an expedited timeline depending on future developments. The overall goal remains to attract major competitions that will generate necessary revenue to support loan repayments and further advancements in Fiji’s football scene.