Pro League Head Coach and GM steps down
Oceania correspondent for:
Just days before the first match of the OFC Pro League, one team must search for new backroom staff.
It’s Vanuatu United who announce that head coach Lars Hopp and General Manager Christian Happel will step down at the end of the month.
Happel will leave on the 23rd of January, while Hopp will leave on the 26th.
Hopp will still manage the team in the first Circuit Series of the OFC Pro League, while Darval Simon will take on the role as interim General Manager and travel with the team to Auckland, Vanuatu United say in a separate press release.
In the first statement released, the two Germans say it is a “difference in opinion” on how the club should be run, that has led to the decision to step down.
“There are simply different opinions on how the future of the club should be managed…As we no longer feel fully aligned, we concluded that stepping aside is the right move…We part ways with full respect, no hard feelings, and no grudges.”
The Vanuatu United board and the Vanuatu Football Federation had this to say:
“We are saddened to see Christian and Lars step down just as VUFC is ready to kick off its first professional match this week. Both have made invaluable contributions to football in Vanuatu…While we regret their departure, we respect and honour their decision and wish them continued success.”
Vanuatu United will play the first ever match in the OFC Pro League, against Bula FC from Fiji, at Eden Park on January 17th.
Read the full statement below:
“Vanuatu United Football Club (VUFC) and the Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) announce the resignations of General Manager Christian Happel and Head Coach Lars Hopp, effective later this month. Happel’s last day is 23 January 2026, while Hopp will remain until 26 January 2026 to support the team’s preparations.
In their joint statement, Happel and Hopp expressed gratitude:
“This announcement may come as a surprise, and it was certainly not an easy decision. We are deeply thankful for the trust placed in us by VFF and Vanuatu United FC…we look back with immense pride and gratitude.”
They noted that differing views on the club’s strategic direction influenced their decision:
“There are simply different opinions on how the future of the club should be managed…As we no longer feel fully aligned, we concluded that stepping aside is the right move…We part ways with full respect, no hard feelings, and no grudges.”
They added:
“We leave on good terms, thankful to all who supported us…While we understand this news may cause disappointment, our decision was made carefully and with conviction. Vanuatu will always have a special place in our hearts. Tankyu tumas.”
Statement from the VUFC Board and VFF:
“We are saddened to see Christian and Lars step down just as VUFC is ready to kick off its first professional match this week. Both have made invaluable contributions to football in Vanuatu…While we regret their departure, we respect and honour their decision and wish them continued success.””
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An amateur board!!! So, the OFC Champions League disappeared overnight, only to allow the apparition of this “franchise” competition. All the history, all the stats, the iconic club, Auckland City FC, all gone.