THE Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) President’s Cup 2025, scheduled for February 10to 15, has been cancelled.
This was confirmed to Star Sport last weekend by the SIFF Competition Director Gerald Oioka.
He said the decision for the cancellation was made by the SIFF Super Futsal League (SSFL) Board Secretariat for several reasons.
Mr Oioka said the first reason is sponsorship.
“We still need to settle club consolation awards, which means that it is essential to ensure that all club dues are paid. The cup will take place after the season or during the season if we secure a sponsor to cover the prize and others costs,” he said.
The second reason is player registration.
“With the players registration for 2025 now open, players are attempting to force futsal clubs to register them, while also making commitments with S-League clubs.
“We have already observed several key S-League players registered with futsal clubs for the President’s Cup. It would be better for clubs to resolve their players’ registration for 2025 now, rather than including players solely for the President’s Cup. The decision is clear and that is clubs and players must comply with the Executive’s directives as this decision cannot be reversed,” Mr Oioka said.
The third reason is inadequate preparation by referees.
“As the 2025 season approaches, referees are not adequately prepared. So far, only two match officials had undergone training.
“It is mandatory that all appointed match officials for the 2025 SSFL pass a fitness test, which is yet to take place. The President’s Cup is part of the SSFL Preseason. It aligns with the official season and therefore compliance with the 2025 SSFL regulations is crucial,” Mr Oioka stressed.
With the announcement of the President’s Cup cancellation, the SSFL Board encourages all clubs to prepare for the upcoming SSFL season, which will officially kick off on March 1and further encouraged teams and clubs to continue with their training.
The cancellation means that all teams and clubs will play friendly matches against each other ahead of the proper league next month.
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
