Pacific Cup liaison needed: Yusuf

Local Sports

Pacific Cup Chairman Mohammed YusufFijian Soccer League of Greater Vancouver's inability to participate in the 2015 Pacific Cup prompted organizers to delegate a liaison officer in Vancouver.

The appointment could come early in the New Year.

Chairman Mohammed Yusuf made the statement while speaking to Sportsone in Auckland, New Zealand yesterday.

He said the appointment is necessary as it stemmed following the Canadian All-Stars abrupt withdrawal from the Pacific Cup in October.

“We will have one of our members' visit Vancouver to re-evaluate the governance and make the necessary appointment in line with the Pacific Cup protocol", he said.

“The liaison officer will coordinate and corroborate with Pacific Cup for the good of future tournaments”.

Yusuf said the Pacific Cup is all about unification and it’s only possible through commitment.

“We need commitment in principle form all member associations. Withdrawals put a lot stress on the organization. It takes a lot time and planning to host a tournament of this magnitude”.

When asked if the Fijian Soccer League of Greater Vancouver will be included in the 2016 Pacific Cup, Yusuf said the word is they will participate.

Yusuf added that the primary objective of the Pacific Cup is to bring all Fiji soccer associations in their respective countries under one umbrella.

Nadi Fiji won its treble Pacific Cup championship at Bill McKinley Park in Auckland, New Zealand on Sunday when they beat a star-studded NZFFI All-Stars team 2-0 before a sold-out crowd.