OFC hail in a new President, Executive

[Oceaniafootball.com, 17 January 2011] - Unity and solidarity were the themes of the 21st OFC Ordinary Congress in American Samoa today as the Confederation voted in a new President and Executive Committee.

Papua New Guinea's David Chung, who has been Acting President since November last year, was elected unopposed to take the reigns of OFC for the next four years after Fred de Jong and Frank van Hattum of New Zealand graciously withdrew their nominations for the presidency. In the presence of FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke, the OFC Executive was also elected with representatives from Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu all earning their place on the committee. The meeting began with good news from the FIFA President who announced that extra profits from the 2010 FIFA World Cup would be distributed across the region for development purposes. "I can confirm a special bonus of USD $2.5 million to add to the USD $5 million that the Confederation was projected to receive from FIFA during 2011. This is on top of a bonus given to each Member Association of USD $300,000." Papua New Guinea's David Chung, who has been Acting President since November last year, was elected unopposed to take the reigns of OFC for the next four years after Fred de Jong and Frank van Hattum of New Zealand graciously withdrew their nominations for the presidency. Formal proceedings followed with President Blatter stressing the significance of the occasion. "It is a very important Congress for you today because OFC passed a difficult time at the end of last year with allegations regarding OFC members," he said, referring to the FIFA Ethics Committee hearings against former President Reynald Temarii of Tahiti and Tongan executive member Ahongalu Fusimalohi. Presidential candidate and former All White Frank van Hattum was also given an opportunity to address the Congress before voting commenced. "Having observed the desire of many of you to see a unified and transparent organisation, and the belief that a new president will get support and advice from a strong, accountable executive, let me be the first to congratulate our newly unopposed president as I respectfully withdraw my nomination," said van Hattum, following the announcement that Fred de Jong had also chosen not to stand. "I thank you for the privilege of addressing you and good luck Mr. President." In his acceptance speech, President Chung acknowledged the support of the Member Associations and FIFA. "I thank you for entrusting me with the position of OFC President for the next four years," said the Malaysia-born Chung. "I am truly humbled. You can be rest assured that I will do everything possible to promote unity, solidarity and transparency. "And to the FIFA President, we are indebted to you for your continued support. In return, I can say that on behalf of all Member Association Presidents we are behind you 100 percent." The 48-year-old, who has served as the PNGFA President and joined the OFC Executive in 2004, also paid tribute to former President Reynald Temarii before closing with reference to the theme of solidarity. "Finally, I conclude by reminding everyone that through our combined efforts we will use the game to help our communities and leave a lasting legacy for the young people of the Pacific." With his election as President, David Chung also becomes a FIFA Vice-President with immediate effect. He will be officially presented to the Congress of FIFA on the 1st of June. Meanwhile, the OFC Executive Committee sees three new members in Dr Sahu Khan (Fiji Football Association), Toetu Petana (Football Federation Samoa) and Honourable Ve'ehala (Tonga Football Associations). They replace the outgoing Claude Fournier (New Caledonia) as well as former members Mr. Temarii and Mr. Fusimalohi.

The following representatives were elected to the OFC Executive (listed alphabetically):

1. Martin Alufurai (Solomon Islands Football Federation)
2. Fred de Jong (New Zealand Football)
3. Lee Harmon (Cook Islands Football Association)
4. Dr Sahu Khan (Fiji Football Association)
5. Lambert Maltock (Vanuatu Football Federation)
6. Toetu Petana (Football Federation Samoa)
7. Honourable Ve'ehala (Tonga Football Association)