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.
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. Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Local athletes, sports officials and sponsors celebrate after the Asian Football Confederation voted to make the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association a full member of the AFC. Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Northern Mariana Islands Football Association president Jerry Tan listens to general secretary Ross Zapanta during the virtual 30th Asian Football Confederation Ordinary Congress on Wednesday at Fiesta Resort. Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
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.”
For NMIFA vice president Vickie Izuka, “It still feels so surreal. We are proud and thankful for the people who are with us in this journey.”
Guam Football Association president Tino San Gil said: “With all the pandemic happening around the world and all the bad news, there is also good news. I would like to congratulate the NMIFA on becoming a full member of the AFC. I know it’s been 10 years in the making. We would like to congratulate you…and we wish that many more good things will come in the following years.”
