FIFA President Gianni Infantino welcomed Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) President Donald Marahare in a significant meeting held in Paris this week to discuss football’s ongoing development and future in the Solomon Islands.
The discussion covered a range of topics, including the advancement of women’s football, the Technical Development Programme, and the utilization of FIFA Forward funds for improving football facilities.
Reflecting on his previous visit to the Solomon Islands, Infantino praised the nation’s progress in football.
“Football has made remarkable strides in the Solomon Islands,” Infantino remarked.
“It was a pleasure to congratulate President Marahare and his team for their dedicated efforts. The passion for football in the Solomon Islands is palpable, and with the progress on and off the pitch, that love for the game is only set to grow.”
The FIFA President highlighted the importance of the SIFF’s investment in women’s football and expressed his satisfaction with the updates he received regarding the development projects supported by the FIFA Forward programme.
Infantino also wished the Solomon Islands national teams success in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, noting the expanded opportunities for more teams to qualify.
SIFF President Marahare provided updates on various initiatives, including the potential transfer of government-owned facilities to the Federation to establish a dedicated home for women’s football.
He also discussed the Talent Development Scheme (TDS) and the academic facilities being developed in Honiara, emphasizing the Federation’s commitment to launching a professional league in collaboration with the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) by 2026.
In addition to infrastructure and administrative updates, Marahare shared plans for the Football for Schools Programme, scheduled for a November launch alongside similar initiatives in Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by the national teams, particularly following the recent OFC Nations Cup, and emphasized the need for thorough preparation for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
SIFF is actively working on appointing a new head coach to lead the team through these critical stages.
Marahare underscored the importance of continuing the development of women’s football, recognizing its rapid growth and potential in the region.
He reiterated the Federation’s commitment to bringing football to all corners of the country, including rural areas, and emphasized the need for broad-based participation to nurture the sport’s growth.
The meeting concluded with a shared optimism for the future of football in the Solomon Islands, as both leaders affirmed their commitment to supporting the sport’s development and enhancing its reach within the community.
-FIFA/SIFF Press
