A FIFA Financial Governance Workshop aimed at strengthening financial management within Oceania football organisations was recently held at the Shangri-La Fijian Resort.
FIFA Member Associations Finance Services Manager Manuel Moreira, who is originally from Portugal and based in Paris, said the workshop forms part of FIFA’s global initiative to support member associations.
“This financial governance workshop is an initiative that we at FIFA organise all over the world,” Moreira said.
He explained that while FIFA provides significant financial assistance to its member associations, the organisation also focuses on strengthening governance and financial management skills.
“A big part of the support that FIFA gives to member associations is financial support, but our aid goes beyond this financial part,” he said.
Moreira said the workshop was designed to equip football administrators with the tools and knowledge needed to better manage resources and further develop football in their respective countries.
Key topics discussed during the workshop included procurement processes, conflicts of interest, budgeting, planning, and the transfer of funds to clubs, leagues and regional associations.
The topics were selected based on findings from FIFA’s central audit review, ensuring the programme was tailored to address the needs and challenges faced by member associations in the region.
Participants were guided through practical examples of planning and budgeting processes, beginning with departmental activity planning and moving to determining funding requirements and maintaining effective communication between departments and leadership.
The workshop also featured group exercises and case-study scenarios, allowing member associations to collaborate in identifying solutions and developing ideas that can be applied within their organisations.
Moreira acknowledged that while the passion for football across the region remains strong, some associations continue to face challenges such as limited staffing and gaps in financial expertise.
However, he highlighted the Fiji Football Association as a positive example of progress.
“The work that the Fiji Football Association has been doing over the last five to ten years is remarkable,” he said.
Moreira noted that Fiji FA has implemented several strategic objectives and is gradually becoming more independent from FIFA’s financial support while strengthening its operational activities.
He added that Fiji’s progress has inspired other member associations to adopt similar approaches to improve governance and financial management.
“At the end of the day, this is what FIFA is all about — making football truly global and uniting people through the game,” Moreira said.
He also emphasised the importance of meeting member associations face-to-face to better understand their challenges and provide support.
Moreira expressed hope that FIFA will return to the region soon to conduct more workshops aimed at further strengthening football development.
