The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) has earned international recognition after being presented with the Bronze Award at the inaugural FIFA Forward Awards, held during the FIFA Executive Football Summit 2025 in Miami. The accolade celebrates Fiji FA’s impactful contribution to football infrastructure development in the Oceania region under the FIFA Forward Programme.
The FIFA Forward Awards were established to recognize and promote outstanding football infrastructure projects implemented by Oceania Member Associations. This initiative showcases success stories that have contributed to long-term football development while promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration within the global football community.
Among a highly competitive field of submissions, Fiji FA’s infrastructure project at the Labasa Academy stood out, securing third place behind other regional giants. The project is regarded as a model of best practices in planning, execution, and measurable impact on the development of the game at all levels in Fiji.
Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel expressed pride in the recognition:
“This is a proud moment for Fiji. The Bronze Award reflects our relentless efforts to develop the game across the country, from grassroots to elite football. We thank FIFA for their continued support through the Forward Programme.”
