THE 2026 Extra Premier League season is poised to begin on the weekend of February 21–22, marking the start of a packed and tightly scheduled domestic football calendar under the watchful eye of the Fiji Football Association (FFA).
Mohamed Yusuf, CEO of the FFA, emphasised the critical need to adhere strictly to the schedule due to upcoming international and domestic commitments.
“There is absolutely no room for postponement,” Yusuf stated, highlighting the pressure on districts and the FFA to keep the league on track.
The league must conclude by September 30 to allow Fiji to host the Prime Minister’s Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Cup, followed closely by the FMF Inter-District Championship (IDC).
Yusuf explained that while negotiations are ongoing regarding home grounds, most teams have confirmed their home venues, except for southern teams who will be playing at alternative locations due to unavailability.
“Three grounds are unavailable—HFC Bank National Stadium, Ratu Cakobau Park plus the uprising in Navua—so that’s four grounds in total affected,” he noted.
This situation may lead to some double headers to accommodate the schedule.
Despite the challenges, Yusuf expressed confidence in the league’s smooth progression, stating,
“We have put the grounds according to some negotiations and talks still going on but hopefully we will be able to do all of this as soon as we reach the schedule we will go ahead and start,” he said.
The competition will begin with matches through early March, pause for the March FIFA international window during which Regional League competitions will be scheduled, then resume after easter with round six kicking off on April 24.
The league will continue through May and include a mid-season transfer window from June 1 to June 15.
Fans can look forward to thrilling matches, with several teams reinforcing their squads and preparing strong lineups. Yusuf highlighted key teams:
“Bar is going to build up a very strong team… Lautoka likewise… Nadi has got some foriegn players coming in… Navua is going to use their own home ground this year… Rewa and Nasinu have reinforced their teams.”
As the FFA gears up for an intense season, the focus remains on overcoming venue hurdles and maintaining the tight schedule to ensure a successful Extra Premier League season ahead of Fiji’s major football events later in the year.
