The Fiji Football Association officially launched Bula FC, the nation’s first professional football club, a historic step forward for football in Fiji and the wider Oceania region.
The occasion also marked the announcement of Mr. Mark McElrath, Managing Director of McDonald’s Fiji, as the new Chairman of Bula FC.
“If you see ‘Bula’, then Bula is synonymous with every person in this country,” said Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel.
“The name Bula is simple, powerful and deeply Fijian — it represents life, warmth, and commitment.”
Patel explained that while the club was originally registered as Bula Boys FC, it will compete as Bula FC to represent inclusivity and future growth:
“We know that as the professional league gets bigger, there will be not only male players. In the future, we feel women will be there too.
So instead of just Bula Boys, it will be Bula FC. This prepares us for the women’s professional league when it is added.”
He said the club stands for unity, ambition, and national pride:
“This launch marks a new era for professional football in Fiji. Bula FC is more than a team — it is a symbol of unity, mission, and progress for our game.”
Patel added that the Fiji FA is a key investor in Bula FC, alongside private investors, ensuring that the club is professionally structured, financially sustainable, and aligned with the country’s football development goals.
He also acknowledged the Saudi Tourism Authority’s USD 20 million investment into the OFC Professional League for its first four years — the competition in which Bula FC will represent Fiji from January 2026.
“We are thankful for this investment, which makes professional football a reality in our region,” Patel said. “We look forward to seeing Bula FC flourish and become a source of pride for all Fijians.”
Taking the podium, Chairman Mark McElrath described the launch as “a very historic day for football in Fiji.”
“It is indeed an honor for me to be appointed as Chairman of Bula FC.
This has been a dream of mine to see Fiji finally have a professional football club,” McElrath said.
“Today presents an opportunity for every child, every teenager, every footballer in Fiji to become a professional player.”
McElrath said the club will serve as a unifying force for the nation:
“Bula represents welcome, it represents life, and in general, it represents all of us in this country. Bula FC is going to be a club that brings people together and brings football together in Fiji.”
McElrath announced members of the interim working board:
- Rajesh Patel – Fiji FA President
- Wella Pillay
- Jay Singh
- Nazia Ali
“We will ensure that the club grows sustainably, financially, and professionally and with integrity, which is the key part of it all.”
He also introduced the club’s inaugural leadership team:
- Anishil Kumar, Acting Chief Executive Officer
- Nazia Ali, Acting Chief Commercial Officer
- Stéphane Auvray, Head Coach
“We are privileged to have Stéphane join us,” McElrath said. “He brings a proven record of performance around the world and will bring a new form of excitement to professional football in Fiji.”
Both Patel and McElrath reaffirmed the club’s commitment to grassroots growth and youth development.
“The pathway to becoming a successful club or a professional player starts at a young age,” McElrath explained. “We will engage across all communities — from Ba to Labasa and the outer islands — to create opportunities for young Fijians to grow into professionals.”
He added that fan engagement will be central to Bula FC’s philosophy:
“We want to invite everyone in Fiji to join us on this journey as we celebrate the spirit of Bula through our new football club. Every match, every programme, every initiative is about building pride, community, and the Bula spirit we live every day.”
The OFC Professional League officially launches on 28 October 2025 in Auckland, with Bula FC representing Fiji in the inaugural 2026 season.
“Together we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more professional football ecosystem in Fiji,” Patel concluded. “This milestone reflects our collective commitment to growing the game.”
