Vanuatu FC, based in Vanuatu, has been selected as one of eight teams to compete in the OFC Professional League, which is set to begin in January 2026. In preparation, Mr. Christian Happel was appointed as the club’s General Manager on September 1, and efforts are well underway for both the team and the league.
Owned by the Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) and the Vanuatu government, Vanuatu FC was established through Teouma Academy Limited as the country’s only representative in the OFC Pro League. As general manager, Mr. Happel is responsible for building and managing the team.
In addition to focusing on player development and tactical improvements, Mr. Happel highlights the importance of strengthening ties with the local community. The OFC Professional League, the first fully professional league in the Oceania region, is expected to significantly impact the growth of football in Vanuatu.
We asked Mr. Christian Happel four questions:
1. To start with, what is your first impression of Vanuatu so far?
Vanuatu is an absolutely beautiful country, and honestly, it has been an eye-opening experience for me. It’s definitely more laid-back than what I’m used to in Germany, which, of course, has its pros and cons! The pace of life allows for a different, more relaxed way of living, though some things, such as the streets, could benefit from a bit of “room for improvement.”
But beyond the scenery and lifestyle, what truly stands out to me is the warmth and kindness of the people. Without a doubt, they are among the nicest, most welcoming, and friendliest people I have ever met—and I say this after having travelled and lived in many parts of the world.
I had never been to Oceania before, and certainly never to Vanuatu, so moving here from Germany—basically to the other side of the world—was a significant step and, I suppose, a bit of a risk. Yet already, I know I made the absolute right decision. I’m genuinely excited to live and work in such a fascinating place and be part of this wonderful community.
2. As the newly appointed General Manager of Vanuatu FC, what are your main current tasks at the moment?
Since we are building the club from scratch, I am currently working on several tasks. One of the top priorities is appointing a new head coach, who will also serve as the head coach for the national team. The deadline for applications just closed last week, and we will begin interviews in the next few days. This will be absolutely crucial not only for the development of our club but also for the entire football landscape in Vanuatu.
Additionally, I am working intensively on the branding, marketing, and communication strategy of the club. As a professional club, we must have a modern public image and up-to-date communication channels—not only to engage our fans and supporters but also to attract potential partners. Speaking of which, I am also developing our commercial strategy, aiming to build a financially sustainable football club that sets a benchmark for future professional sports clubs in Vanuatu. To achieve this, it is essential to invest in and establish the right infrastructure from the outset, both on and off the pitch.
Football is much more than just a 90-minute game. I strongly believe football should be deeply rooted in the community, and we want to become a club for all of Vanuatu—not just on match days but 365 days a year. Therefore, I will devote a lot of time to building relationships with the local community, fans, government, and businesses to foster partnerships and community initiatives. I have already met many people, and everyone is genuinely excited about the project, so I am very positive and optimistic about the future.
Of course, there are many other tasks I am working on at the moment, but listing them all would take too long!
3. What impact do you think football can have on society?
As I mentioned earlier, football is much more than just a game; it has a profound impact on society worldwide and in many different ways. Besides promoting physical and mental health, sports strengthen a sense of community and facilitate social interaction. Football brings together people from diverse backgrounds, which fosters mutual understanding and tolerance.
Football can also play a key role in education, teaching values that are important in everyday life, such as fairness, discipline, respect, teamwork, and dealing with defeat. Furthermore, football has an economic dimension, including job creation and promoting tourism.
Last but not least, football has the power to highlight and address social issues, ideally driving positive change. Examples include promoting inclusion, equality, and combating racism. Football holds a very high priority for me because of its diverse and profound societal impact.
4. Finally, what message would you like to share with football fans and the local community in Vanuatu regarding the team’s participation in the professional league?
Firstly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Vanuatu Football Federation and the government for trusting me to become the General Manager of this club. I am fully aware that this is a unique moment in Vanuatu sports history. This is not only the first professional football club but the first professional sports club ever established in the country. That alone shows how courageous and visionary this project is.
The Vanuatu Football Federation and the government, as joint owners of the club, have demonstrated remarkable commitment by laying this foundation. Together, we are building something from the ground up—not just a team, but a legacy that will inspire future generations.
Our participation in the brand-new OFC Pro League, alongside seven other clubs from across Oceania, is a chance to put Vanuatu on the regional and international sporting map. Of course, there are many challenges ahead—we are creating professional structures and pathways almost from scratch. But with hard work, discipline, and a spirit of unity, I strongly believe we can build a club that represents Vanuatu with pride and ambition.
To the fans and the local community: you are at the heart of this project. Your support will be our foundation. This is not only our club—it is your club; a symbol of what Vanuatu can achieve when we dream big and work together. I have only been in your beautiful country for a short time and have already attended half a dozen football matches. Still, I can already tell that the passion for football in Vanuatu is massive—and I absolutely love it!
We are embarking on a long journey, but our aim is clear: to create something lasting, inspiring, and worthy of Vanuatu’s place in football history.
Background:
Christian Happel, a German native, is an experienced sports executive with an MBA in Football Industries from the University of Liverpool. He is globally recognized for his leadership in developing professional football organizations. His portfolio includes key roles such as Board Member of the Estonian Football Association and CEO of German professional club Chemnitzer FC, with proven expertise in strategic planning, marketing, partnerships, and operational management.
Proficient in stakeholder management and commercial strategy, Happel has successfully navigated complex environments in Germany, Finland, the Baltics, and Iran. Since September 1, he has served as General Manager of Vanuatu’s first professional sports club, combining a broad industry network with strategic vision to create a lasting legacy.
He is 48 years old and the proud owner of a 5-year-old Rottweiler named Carlo, whom he hopes to bring to Vanuatu from Germany next year. Happel has been a devoted Liverpool FC fan since the late 1980s.
