OFC signs deal with Saudi Arabia

Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at “creating reciprocal growth opportunities”.

OFC President Lambert Maltock with SAFF President Yasser Al Misehal. (Photo credit: Greg Porteous/OFC Media)

The OFC confirmed the five year deal in a press release Thursday.

The MOU will focus on three pillars, Women’s football, Beach Soccer and Futsal, the statement says.

“OFC and the SAFF will collaborate and cooperate in areas such as Technical and Managerial Football Development, Competitions and Friendly Matches.

“The recent development of women’s football in Saudi Arabia with a women’s football league and a women’s national team is commendable and OFC will be happy to share its expertise and help SAFF in this area.” OFC General Secretary Franck Castillo said at the signing ceremony in Sydney.

The MOU will allow for Women’s Football, Futsal and Beach Soccer teams from Saudi Arabia to participate as guest teams in relevant OFC competitions and vice versa.

OFC and SAFF will explore exchange opportunities in the general fields of football technical development and management focusing on the three pillars.

Exchanges could include areas such as General Management, Marketing and commercial activities, Sport Facilities, Study and research, Coach development, Referees, VAR, Football management and technical direction, League, and competition development, Talent identification and player development, good governance, rules and regulations, Sports science, sports medicine, and football-related technologies.”