Kiribati’s football federation is pursuing full Oceania Football Confederation membership as a step toward joining FIFA, ESPN reported October 6. The country has held associate Oceania membership since 2007; neither full membership nor FIFA admission has been secured.
Federation president Eriati Reebo told ESPN he wants Kiribati to play World Cup qualifiers and use the sport to draw attention to the country’s concerns about climate change and rising seas.
ESPN describes a 16-team domestic league and a sand playing surface at Bairiki National Stadium. Reebo sees improvements to the pitch as part of the federation’s ambitions.
The organization has enlisted UK-based marketing director Matt Webb to help with its website and kit arrangements. Webb says merchandise revenue can support football activities while the federation lacks guaranteed FIFA funding. The report also describes plans for matches in Fiji and a longer-term ambition to enter the 2030 qualifying process.
