The eagerly awaited arrival of FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Vanuatu is scheduled for tomorrow, August 5, 2023. This visit marks a momentous occasion for football enthusiasts in the country, as President Infantino aims to further enhance the development of football in Vanuatu, fostering growth and opportunities for local players and fans.
As part of his schedule, President Infantino will engage in several activities during his stay in Vanuatu. He will begin with a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister’s office to discuss mutual interests in football development and strengthen ties between FIFA and Vanuatu.
Following the Prime Minister’s visit, President Infantino will head to the Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) House, demonstrating FIFA’s commitment to supporting national football associations and assisting in their growth and capacity-building efforts.
The President will also take part in two significant field declarations. The Tensly Lulu training field and the King Pele training field will be formally inaugurated, providing local footballers with improved facilities for training and skill development.
The highlight of the visit will be the inauguration of the VFF Freshwater Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue that promises to become a hub for football events in the country. The stadium will be inaugurated with a friendly soccer match featuring football legends from both FIFA and Vanuatu.
Accompanying President Infantino will be a delegation comprising members from FIFA, as well as renowned FIFA football legends such as Tim Cahill, Roque Junior, Christian Karembeu, Maia Jackman, Juan Pablo Sorin, and Carmelina Moscato. They will participate in an exhibition match against Vanuatu’s football legends.
The Vanuatu football legends team boasts prominent players who have made significant contributions to the country’s football history. Among them are representatives from the Melanesia Cup Team of 1990 in New Caledonia, the First-ever OFC Champions League Competition Team that competed in Australia (finishing 2nd place in the Melanesian Cup Team in Santo in 1998), and the Nations Cup Team that defeated New Zealand 4-1 in Australia in 2002.
The exciting exhibition match aims to showcase the talent and passion for football in Vanuatu, celebrating the sport’s rich history and achievements within the nation.
Caption: FIFA President Gianni Infantino participates in a traditional kava ceremony in Western Samoa, as part of his tour of the Pacific Islands.
