IT was a historic moment for the Commonwealth and soccer as the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association was finally accepted as member of the Asian Football Confederation during Wednesday’s virtual 30th AFC Ordinary Congress in the Hibiscus Hall of Fiesta Resort & Spa.
The result of the Asian Football Confederation vote on NMI membership is seen on a giant screen in the Hibiscus Hall of Fiesta Resort on Wednesday.
Local soccer players, sports officials and other community members witnessed the reclassification of NMIFA’s place in the world of soccer as 40 member associations of the AFC voted yes to full membership for the Northern Marianas.
In his remarks, AFC President Shaikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa stated, “We are proud to welcome the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association as the newest member of the AFC family. Under the leadership of our dear friend, president Jerry Tan, I have no doubt that the game will continue to reach greater heights” in the CNMI.
Tan and other NMIFA officials had worked hard for over 10 years in developing the local soccer program. They had attended AFC seminars, workshops and tournaments, and now that the NMIFA is a full member of the confederation, it can tap more opportunities as it focuses on its next goal, which is to become a member of Fédération Internationale de Football Association or FIFA, the sport’s global governing body
Tan thanked local players, coaches, parents, volunteers, game officials, the private sector and the CNMI government, saying that they are all behind the NMIFA.
He also thanked the Guam Football Association for supporting the NMIFA since 2005, and the Japan Football Association for providing assistance to the NMIFA such as coaches and funds for youth programs since 2009.
“We will all continue to work hard to reach another goal for NMI soccer,” he added, referring to FIFA membership.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, a staunch supporter of the NMIFA, said: “This is a historic moment for the NMI. Thank you NMIFA and thank you AFC for providing opportunities to our NMI players, especially our youth.”
