![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/OFC-and-UEFA-agreement.jpg\")
Representatives of UEFA and OFC at their meeting in Vancouver. Photo credit: OFC Media.<\/p>\nRegional bodies OFC and UEFA have signed a five-year agreement to work together to develop football at all levels, from grassroots to elite.<\/p>\n
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was confirmed in a statement from the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), which said it will benefit both confederations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe MoU cements the two organisations\u2019 strong relationship and will guide future collaboration that supports long-term football development projects throughout Oceania and Europe,\u201d the statement says.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis agreement marks an important step forward for football in Oceania,\u201d OFC president Lambert Maltock said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur partnership with UEFA reflects a shared commitment to developing the game at every level \u2014 from grassroots to elite.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt creates meaningful opportunities for our players, coaches, referees and administrators to learn, grow and gain international exposure, while strengthening the systems and pathways that will shape the next generation of football in our region.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy investing in our people and working collaboratively, we are building a more connected, capable, and globally competitive football ecosystem for Oceania.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEurope and Oceania are connected by a shared belief in the importance of investing in people as the foundation of football\u2019s future,\u201d UEFA president Aleksander \u010ceferin said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis Memorandum of Understanding brings together UEFA\u2019s experience in elite development and education with OFC\u2019s clear focus on nurturing young talent and strengthening football leadership.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy supporting players and administrators alike, we aim to build sustainable pathways that enable the game to thrive around the world for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
Main photo: UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin (left) and OFC president Lambert Maltock. Photo credit: OFC Media.<\/p>\n
Representatives of UEFA and OFC at their meeting in Vancouver. Photo credit: OFC Media.<\/p>\n
Key areas of cooperation in the MoU include:<\/p>\n
Youth development<\/p>\n
Both confederations will support OFC\u2019s annual U-15 boys\u2019 and girls\u2019 development tournaments, providing structured international exposure for emerging players, referees, coaches and support staff.<\/p>\n
Development initiates<\/p>\n
These opportunities, delivered through the UEFA Together programme, support tailored projects and partnerships between member national associations of both confederations.<\/p>\n
Coach education<\/p>\n
This includes the sharing of technical expertise and best practices, as well as joint learning activities to strengthen coaching capacity.<\/p>\n
Referee development<\/p>\n
The confederations will identify opportunities for match officials and referee instructors to participate in youth tournaments, courses and technical programmes organised by each confederation, as well as for elite referees to participate in each other\u2019s competitions.<\/p>\n
Knowledge exchange\/professional development<\/p>\n
This will include reciprocal observer programmes at club finals and national team tournaments, as well as participation in selected conferences and events.<\/p>\n
Education and capacity building<\/p>\n
The agreement enables mutual access to relevant programmes, including selected UEFA Academy courses and the expansion of OFC\u2019s education and management pathways.<\/p>\n
Strategic dialogue and coordination<\/p>\n
The confederations will hold high-level meetings and joint progress reporting to ensure alignment and effective implementation of the MoU.<\/p>\n
The agreement runs till June 30, 2031.<\/p>\n
This story was first published on April 30, 2026.<\/p>\n