The Marshall Islands Soccer Federation is the governing body of soccer in the Marshall Islands. Marshall Islands is not a member of its regional body, the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), or FIFA, but is working on becoming one.[1][2] The federation is recognized by the Marshall Islands National Olympic Committee.[3]
OFC | |
---|---|
Founded | 2020 |
FIFA affiliation | N/A |
OFC affiliation | N/A |
President | Shem Livai |
Website | https://rmi.soccer |
The federation was founded in 2020 with the purpose of introducing the sport to the nation which previously had no soccer history.[4] In May 2019 construction commenced on the Majuro Track and Field Stadium. Originally built as a venue for the 2023 Micronesian Games, the stadium would also serve as the home of football in the nation.[5]
In December 2022 it was announced that the MISF had hired its first-ever technical director, British UEFA-licensed coach Lloyd Owers. Owers would be responsible for creating the soccer structure for the nation, including school and youth development programs up to the national team.[6][7]
In January 2023 the federation launched a GoFundMe campaign. The money raised would be used to purchase equipment to begin to grow the sport in the nation. As part of the campaign it was also announced that a national league was planned to kick off in 2023 with the national team playing a match by 2024.[8]
The organization first held the Marshall Islands Futsal League, starting with the 2023 edition. They also organize the Ratak Cup, the first edition being the 2024 Ratak Cup.