Solomon Islands to host OFC Women’s Champions League in March – Friends of Football

Auckland United will represent New Zealand at the OFC Womens Champions League tournament in the Solomon Islands next March.

By winning the Grand Final of the Womens National League, the Ben Bate-coached United side earned automatic qualification to the tournament, which is scheduled to be staged from March 10-23, 2024.

READ MORE: Auckland United claim Womens National League title with 2-0 Grand Final win >>>>

Main photo: Auckland United winners of New Zealands Grand Final at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart.Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.

The dates and tournament venue have been confirmed in the Oceania Football Confederations release of its competition calendar for 2024.

The OFC Womens Champions League will be the second such tournament, with the inaugural event won by New Caledonias AS Academy Fminine in June.

AS Academy Fminine won the five-team tournament in Papua New Guinea.

New Zealands representative club, Eastern Suburbs, withdrew in May, citing concerns over costs, timing and security.

READ MORE: Eastern Suburbs pull out of inaugural OFC Womens Champions League>>>>

Of the withdrawal, OFC says: The matter has been referred to the independent Ethics and Disciplinary committee.

A decision has yet to be announced.

The first OFC tournament drew praise from FIFA who are expected to announce plans to launch a FIFA Womens Club World Cup, possibly in 2025.

READ MORE: Inaugural OFC Womens Champions League draws praise from FIFA>>>>

The OFC Womens Championship is expected to provide the pathway for the regions clubs to qualify for the Club World Cup, in a similar way to how the mens competitions work.

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Solomon Islands to host OFC Women's Champions League in March - Friends of Football