FIJI Football Association (FFA) CEO Mohammed Yusuf has announced that players who have transferred from district clubs to the Bula FC program will not be eligible for the June transfer window.
These players are required to return to their original districts to complete their remaining contracts.
This new policy aims to protect the interests of the 20 local district clubs, which have invested significantly in player development and have played a key role in exposing talent at the highest level.
The move reflects FFA’s commitment to ensuring legality and fairness within its evolving football structure. Yusuf explained that these changes form part of the FFA’s initiative to manage the influx of players moving to Bula FC and other OFC professional clubs, a shift that has presented considerable challenges for local football, particularly regarding player transfer policies and regulations.
“This is going to be an abnormal year because we have about 33 players who have changed their code from amateur to professional,” he said.
He added that the FFA would finalise all necessary amendments to regulations at their upcoming board meeting to accommodate these changes.
“All our regulations will be approved in tomorrow’s meeting (Saturday, 24 January, board meeting), to ensure that they are all accommodated in as far as the transfer regulations, the transition from amateur to professional, back to amateur in June when they finish the Pro League,” he said.
Looking ahead, Yusuf anticipates that more local players may become full-time professionals engaged in OFC Pro League commitments.
“Things might change in the later years, that these players may be full-time professionals and be full-time engaged with Bula FC programs, community engagement, and all that, development, going to communities, coaching,” he said.
In summary, the introduction of Bula FC and the OFC Pro League has transformed player transfer policies and financial priorities within the FFA.
These changes demonstrate a broader commitment to professionalising the sport while respecting and safeguarding the district clubs that nurture local talent.
