FIFA President Gianni Infantino has congratulated Ba Football Association on being crowned champions of the national league, praising the club’s efforts and results throughout the season.
In his official letter to Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel, Infantino said he was pleased to congratulate the “recently crowned champions of Fiji” and recognised the team’s consistent efforts in securing the important title.
“In this letter I’m pleased to congratulate the recently crowned champions of Fiji, Ba FA.
“Their constant effort and results throughout the season have paid off, resulting in this important title. Congratulations to each and every member of the team for this great achievement.”
Ba FC president Dayal described receiving the official message as a deeply humbling and emotional moment, saying the recognition was not only for the association but for the entire Ba football family.
“Receiving an official message of congratulations from FIFA President Gianni Infantino following our National League championship is a deeply humbling and emotional moment for me as President of the Ba Football Association.
“FIFA’s recognition is not just a letter it is recognition of the dedication, sacrifice, and hard work of an entire BA football family.
“I am incredibly grateful to our players, coaches, executive team, supporters, sponsors, and every person who contributed to our success. Every training session, every difficult match, every victory, and every moment of support has brought us to this special moment.”
The FIFA recognition comes after Ba created another proud chapter in Fiji football history by becoming the first team to win the Extra Premier League, BiC Fiji FACT and Battle of the Giants in the same season under the modern 90-minute tournament format.
The Men in Black completed the historic treble by defeating Rewa 2-1 in the 2026 Extra BOG final at 4R Stadium, Govind Park.
Praneel Naidu and Penisoni Tirau scored for Ba, while Merrill Nand found the net for Rewa as Ba secured its record-extending 18th BOG title.
It was the club’s third major trophy of the season, following its success in the BiC Fiji FACT and Extra Premier League.
Ba had earlier ended a 16-year Fiji FACT drought after defeating Navua 3-1 in a penalty shootout following a scoreless final, before ending a seven-year wait for the National League title.
Ba previously won the same three competitions in 2006. However, the Fiji FACT and BOG were played under the old 60-minute tournament format at the time.
Fiji’s major tournaments changed from 60-minute to full 90-minute matches in 2013, making Ba’s 2026 achievement unique.
The accomplishment has come during Dayal’s first year as president of the Ba Football Association.
“As President, I feel immensely proud and grateful to lead an Association whose hard work has now been recognised on the world football stage.
“We accept this recognition with humility, but we also see it as motivation to work even harder and take BA Football to greater heights.
“Thank you, FIFA. Thank you to our entire BA family. This is not the achievement of one person. This is the achievement of Ba. Glory to God. Glory to BA.”
Ba’s road to the BOG crown tested the side’s character.
The Men in Black suffered a 3-0 defeat to Rewa in the group stage before responding with a 3-1 victory over Lautoka to remain in contention.
Ba then defeated Suva 2-1 in the semifinal, despite playing part of the match with 10 men, before overcoming Rewa in the final to avenge its earlier group-stage defeat.
The season has reflected the collective commitment of Dayal, head coach Ravinesh Kumar, the players, team officials, sponsors, families and loyal Ba supporters.
Ba now turns its attention to the FMF Inter-District Championship next month, a trophy it narrowly missed out on last year after losing to Rewa in the final.
A victory in the IDC would give the Men in Black all four major domestic titles in the same season.
Twenty years after Ba first completed its treble, the Men in Black have done it again — this time under the modern 90-minute format and in Dayal’s first year as president.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s letter congratulating Ba on their national league win. Picture: FIJI FOOTBALL
Ba players celebrate their win of the 2026 Extra Battle of the Giants after the final whistle at 4R Stadium, Govind Park in Ba last Sunday. Ba won 2-1 over Rewa in the final. Picture: BALJEET SINGH. INSET: FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s letter congratulating Ba on their national league win. Picture: FIJI FOOTBALL
Infantino. Picture: REUTERS
