Over the past week, the Confederation of Independent Football Associations (CONIFA) has been undertaking a member visit in the remote Pacific nation of Kiribati. This collection of 34 atolls, islands and reefs is incredibly picturesque, yet at the forefront of the threat posed by rising sea levels. CONIFA is eager to promote the development of football in Kiribati in partnership with the Kiribati Islands Football Association (KIFA).

KIFA joined CONIFA in May 2016, and is also an associate member of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC). Kiribati is a United Nations member and has an extensive history of football, which began in the 1950s and has seen the national team compete at several Pacific Games. Kiribati is seemingly eligible for admission into Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), yet despite lodging a membership application with the OFC and FIFA in the early 2000s has not yet been admitted. CONIFA intends to work with KIFA over the coming year to advance this goal, establishing dialogue with the relevant bodies and ascertaining how the application can be progressed.

Football is the number one sport in Kiribati, despite a lack of available land limiting the number of full-sized pitches. Many kids grow up playing the game on the beach, and the technical abilities bestowed by this environment were evident in several matches observed by CONIFA in Kiribati. CONIFA’s visit coincided with the final days of KIFA’s Taiwan Sport Tournament, which brought together 60 teams from across Kiribati’s far-flung atolls. Given the lack of regular transportation links between many of the atolls, such participation was a remarkable feat and emphasised the love of football in Kiribati.

In addition to the sport’s intrinsic benefits, football has great potential to provide a positive health impact in Kiribati. The nation has a high rate of non-communicable diseases, and the promotion of sport is seen by many i-Kiribati as a way to address this health problem. During the visit, CONIFA met with the Australian High Commissioner, Mr Bruce Cowled, to discuss Australia’s development role in Kiribati. Australia currently funds a basketball initiative called Hoops for Health, and CONIFA is keen to build on such efforts to develop a similar program in the football sector.

After several years of inactivity, KIFA intends to reinvigorate the Kiribati national team. CONIFA held preliminary talks with KIFA about the team’s participation at forthcoming CONIFA tournaments, and these discussions will be continued at the CONIFA Annual General Meeting in January. CONIFA and KIFA hope to be able to confirm the team’s schedule for 2017/18 by early next year.

CONIFA’s visit was hosted by KIFA and its President, Mr Ioteba Redfern. CONIFA would like to thank Mr Redfern and his family for their generous hospitality, and all stakeholders in Kiribati who took the time to discuss football development with us. We look forward to working with KIFA to ensure a bright future for football in this beautiful part of the world.

During the visit, CONIFA created a new website for KIFA. To learn more about football in Kiribati, please see here.

“Every underdog has its day” has been the inspiring and hopeful mantra of CONIFA since day one. Back in 2013, different teams’ heads created the Confederation of Independent Football Associations in order to give athletes of unrecognised states, stateless citizens, and micronations a chance to show their love for the game.

In other words, it presents various minorities a platform where they can develop their skills and grow their love for football, with the hopes of someday making it to the big leagues. One such member is the self-governing Crown dependency in the Irish Sea known as Isle of Man, which includes its proud native Seamus Sharkey.

In the first quarter of 2016, Seamus Sharkey successfully carved his place in CONIFA’s history books by debuting as Limerick FC‘s new centre-back. The 26-year-old was signed until the end of the season in October to the League of Ireland Division One club following an impressive 45-minute trial and workout.

Seamus Sharkey quickly became a crowd favourite after starting and scoring in his first big league match. Dave Crennell, an influential man in Ellan Vannin’s sports scene, recommended the Isle of Man footballer to Limerick. It also seemed like the stars aligned at the perfect time as the club’s owner, Pat Sullivan, needed a defender and called Crennell just one day before this momentous debut.

Carrying a Manx lineage himself, Dave Crennell didn’t hesitate to handpick his countryman Seamus Sharkey. In a statement last March during the signing announcement, Crennell couldn’t be any happier and prouder of Seamus’ success. With this, they both hope that it’s a step in the right direction and will lead to more opportunities not just for Manx football, but also for CONIFA athletes in general.

Even though Limerick FC is on the verge of promotion, they are far from once again challenging the Irish Premier Division leaders, Dundalk. The club, however, still has high hopes for the future. As a side note, both clubs were expected to put on a show in last year’s David versus Goliath match, with Limerick fighting relegation and Dundalk enjoying another rousing run, based on a Betfair Football piece by Kevin Hatchard.

All things considered, whether he comes back 100 per cent healthy after a recent concussion and continues to impress folks overseas, CONIFA’s mantra resonates deeply in Seamus Sharkey. He has proven time and again that even a lad from a small island nation can make it big. Who knows, if everything goes well, he may one day make it to the Premier League. Of course there will always be doubters, challenges, and hardships along the way. It will certainly be hard, but at the end of the day, who doesn’t love a true underdog story?

In association with Tellyo, we have compiled a video of the best goals from #Abkhazia2016. Watch below and let us know what you think on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

The 2016 World Football Cup concluded on Sunday, with home side Abkhazia lifting the trophy in front of a packed Dinamo Stadium in Sukhum. In the last remaining placement game, meanwhile, Northern Cyprus beat Padania 2-0 to claim third overall. Check out our full match wraps and video highlights below.

Abkhazia 1 – 1 Panjab (Abkhazia won 6-5 on penalties), Sukhum

Abkhazia is tonight celebrating after a remarkable come from behind victory over Panjab saw them secure the 2016 World Football Cup. The hosts twice looked out of the game – firstly when they were trailing 1-0 in the 86th minute, and again when they were two penalties down in the shoot-out. But a stranger-than-fiction turn of events saw Abkhazia equalise to send the game to spot-kicks, and then complete a penalty great escape to triumph in Sukhum.

Padania 0 – 2 Northern Cyprus, Sukhum

Northern Cyprus secured third place at the 2016 World Football Cup with a 2-0 win over Padania in Sukhum. Under the blazing sun and with both teams having played yesterday, the first half was a slow affair highlighted by a close flyby from a helicopter just before the break.

The Northern Cypriots scored early in the second half, clattering the ball in from two yards out to take a lead they would never relinquish. A second goal came at the 80-minute mark, with a strong break and nice pass facilitating an easy finish.

Padania fought hard but without their suspended star striker, Matteo Prandelli, they lacked attacking potency. The Italian side end their 2016 World Football Cup campaign in fourth.

 

The knock-out stage of the 2016 CONIFA World Football Cup began on Wednesday, with two games in Sukhum. Check out our full match wraps below.

Northern Cyprus 1 – 1 United Koreans of Japan (Northern Cyprus won 4-2 on penalties), Sukhum

There was heartbreak at Dinamo Stadium for the United Koreans of Japan, after they lost to tournament heavyweights Northern Cyprus on penalties. Despite being the better team for the latter part of the game, two saved spot-kicks consigned the Koreans to placement games while Northern Cyprus proceeded to the semi-final.

FC Korea midfielder On Songtae was distraught following the loss: “I am very disappointed. We had more chances than our opposition, and played much better than during our first two games of the tournament. But we just could not convert opportunities – that was our problem today.”

Northern Cyprus will now face Abkhazia in the second semi-final on Saturday.

 

Abkhazia 2 – 0 Sapmi, Sukhum

Abkhazia have affirmed their status as tournament favourites with another commanding win in Sukhum, putting two goals past Sapmi in the evening game. A goalkeeper error on a corner allowed Abkhazia in for the opener midway through the first-half, before a late penalty sealed the win.

Sapmi coach Morten Pedersen, who had a lengthy professional career across Europe, fronted the press following his side’s loss. “The atmosphere was perfect for such an important match,” Pedersen explained. “I was hoping we could keep the game level until half-time, and then the home side would start to feel some pressure, but they scored a lucky goal and the game got away from us.”

Pedersen’s side were given perhaps the toughest route to #Abkhazia2016 triumph after finishing second in their group. Asked whether he considered his side unfortunate to play hosts Abkhazia so early in the knock-out rounds, the coach did not look for excuses. “This is what happens when you do not win your group,” Pedersen continued. “I am glad we could play Abkhazia, in front of such a great audience, but I am very disappointed we were unable to hold them out and convert our chances.”

For Abkhazia coach Beslan Adjinjal, a third consecutive win only cemented his confidence in the team’s ability to secure the 2016 World Football Cup trophy. “We are absolutely confident of continuing our winning run,” he affirmed. “We are at home here, and everything is pushing us to victory.”

 

On Thursday 2 May, Kurdistan face Padania in the third quarter-final at 3pm local time (GMT+3). Panjab then tackle Western Armenia at 8pm local time to decide the last semi-final place. Both games are in Sukhum. Gagra then hosts two placement games: Chagos Islands v Somaliland (11am local time) and Szekely Land v Raetia (3pm local time). Watch all games live on SolidTango or follow match updates on MobStats. Also be sure to follow our tournament updates on social media: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

The semi-finals of the 2016 CONIFA World Football Cup were held on Saturday in Sukhum, while exciting two placement games took place in Gagra. Check out our full match wraps below.

Panjab 1 – 0 Padania, Sukhum

Panjab booked their ticket to the Final after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Padania in Sukhum.

A large crowd watched Panjab and Padania grind through a tense first half, with few chances for either side before the break. The second stanza started more positively for Padania, creating some decent opportunities immediately after the restart.

However, Panjab broke the deadlock following a strong move in the box which led to a shot off the bar and, in the ensuing scramble, Rio Riaz headed home the game’s only goal. Panjab then held strong for the remaining minutes to continue their unbeaten run. In a sour moment just before full-time, a Padania player received a second yellow card and was sent-off for acting aggressively towards an opponent.

“It was a tough game,” said Panjab FA President Harpreet Singh. “Padania are quality. Football is in their DNA. But for tomorrow, we are confident.”

The British-based team, who represent the Panjab region of India and Pakistan, have upset several more fancied opponents during the tournament. They will face Abkhazia in the Final on Sunday.

 

Abkhazia 2 – 0 Northern Cyprus, Sukhum

A tale of two semi-finals. While Panjab v Padania was a defensive affair, the evening match between hosts Abkhazia and Northern Cyprus was 90 minutes of flowing, attacking football.

The Cypriots began the game by showing the local fans their appreciation, gifting them with roses and footballs. The fans applauded gratefully, but once the whistle blew the fans’ love was for Abkhazia only. The match featured great skill from both sides, with mazy runs, dribbling trickery and an attempted overhead scissor kick. It was the home team, however, that would provide the finish.

A scramble in the box led to a first-half goal, while after the break Abkhazia’s second strike was all class. A perfectly weighted deep ball was followed up with a deft lob over the keeper.

The stadium was at capacity again, as it will surely be on Sunday night when the Abkhazians play for World Football Cup glory in front of their passionate home fans.

 

Kurdistan 1 – 1 United Koreans of Japan (won 2-4 on penalties), Gagra

The United Koreans of Japan avenged their quarter-final penalty heartbreak by beating tournament heavyweights Kurdistan to finish seventh overall, converting four spot-kicks to two in Gagra following a one-all draw.

In a spectacular finish to the seventh place playoff, Kurdistan looked to have sealed victory when the game entered injury time with the Kurds 1-0 up. But a quick free-kick in the 94th minute saw the United Koreans of Japan equalise, sending the game to a spot-kick finish. With both teams losing on penalties already in the tournament, the shoot-out was destined to be particularly tense. Ultimately the United Koreans held their nerve, finding the net four times to seal the result.

 

Sapmi 3 – 0 Western Armenia, Gagra

In the afternoon game in Gagra, a dominant Sapmi ran out 3-nil victors over Western Armenia to secure fifth place at #Abkhazia2016.

 

On Sunday 5 June, Panjab face Abkhazia at 7pm local time (GMT+3) in the #Abkhazia2016 Final. Earlier, at 3pm local time, Padania play Northern Cyprus in the third place playoff. Watch both games live on SolidTango or follow match updates on MobStats. Also be sure to follow our tournament updates on social media: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

The knock-out stage of the 2016 CONIFA World Football Cup continued on Thursday, with two games in Sukhum. Gagra, meanwhile, hosted two placement games. Check out our full match wraps below.

Kurdistan 2 – 2 Padania (Padania won 7-6 on penalties), Sukhum

Padania upset tournament heavyweights Kurdistan in Sukhum following a nail-biting penalty shoot-out finish, securing progress to the semi-finals.

The Italian side went ahead early through a beautiful free-kick in the 12th minute, but Kurdistan were soon back on level pegging. Another Kurdish goal followed, giving the side an advantage entering half-time, before Padania scored again midway through the second stanza to force the match to penalties.

The sides were locked at four goals apiece after regulation penalties, with a series of tense sudden-death spot-kicks ensuing. Kurdistan missed on their eight attempt, but Padania’s final penalty taker made no mistake, sealing the win for CONIFA’s European champions.

Padania will now face Panjab in the first semi-final on Saturday.

 

Western Armenia 2 – 3 Panjab, Sukhum

Panjab continued their dream run at the 2016 World Football Cup, surviving a Western Armenia comeback to claim a semi-final berth in Sukhum. The British-based team, who represent the Panjab region of India and Pakistan, have been the tournament’s surprise package with wins over both Sapmi and Somaliland prior to the quarter-final.

A first-half hat-trick to Darlington striker Amar Purewal looked to have secured Panjab a third consecutive win, before two Western Armenia goals raised hopes of a thrilling comeback. Panjab’s defence held in the final minutes, though, to ensure them a clash with Padania in the next round.

“Our manager told us to start defensively, so we certainly did not expect to go three goals up so quickly,” explained midfielder Amaruir Sandhu at the post-match press conference. “Then we just had to hold on.”

 

Somaliland 3 – 2 Chagos Islands, Gagra
Those attending match seventeen in Gagra were treated to a thriller and the biggest comeback of #Abkhazia2016 so far. Somaliland and Chagos Islands met in a battle between fan favourites, with Somaliland squeaking out a 3-2 win.

Chagos Islands scored their first goal of the tournament early in the match and followed that up with a second shortly after the halftime break. However Somaliland stormed back with three straight strikes, including a brace by forward Moebarik Mohamed, to secure a comeback victory.

The energy of the crowd helped fuel Somaliland to victory, according to their players, who have have gained a lot of love from the locals in Gagra. “They really took to us and we took to them, as well,” said centre-half Guiled Aden. “They have pretty much adopted us.”

Sabrina Jean, coordinator and founder of the Chagos Islands side, lamented her side’s injury woes but loved the effort she saw on the pitch. “A win or loss for our team, I’m very proud of our boys,” she said. “They play with their heart.”

Unfortunately due to technical difficulties no highlights are available from this game.

Szekely Land 7 – 0 Raetia, Gagra

The afternoon clash in Gagra was a decidedly more one-sided affair, with Szekely Land putting a couple of disappointing results behind them to beat Raetia 7-0. The crowd’s enthusiasm held strong throughout the match, cheering equally hard for the last-minute penalty as they did for the opener.

Despite the result, one Raetia fan went home happy: six-year old Muscovite Vanya has been a diehard FA Raetia fan since coming across the team on Facebook at the tender age of four. His parents brought him from Moscow to watch his heroes play in Gagra.

Sporting his handmade “I ❤️ Raetia” shirt, Vanya cheered for the squad. After the match the players hoisted the child on their shoulders and gave him a game-worn jersey, as well as signing Vanya’s prized t-shirt. Fan and players alike, embodying the spirit of the CONIFA World Football Cup.

 

On Friday 3 June, United Koreans of Japan face Sapmi at 3pm local time (GMT+3). Kurdistan then tackle Western Armenia at 8pm local time. Both games are in Sukhum. Gagra then hosts two further placement games: Chagos Islands v Raetia (11am local time) and Szekely Land v Somaliland (3pm local time). Watch all games live on SolidTango or follow match updates on MobStats. Also be sure to follow our tournament updates on social media: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

The group stage of the 2016 CONIFA World Football Cup continued on Tuesday, with four exciting games across two cities. Check out our full match wraps below.

Northern Cyprus 7 – 0 Raetia, Gagra
World Football Cup contenders Northern Cyprus maintained their unbeaten start to the tournament, routing Raetia at Daur Akhvlediani Stadium in Gagra. Esin Sonay scored an impressive hat-trick in the win, while Halil Turan bagged a brace.

The Cypriots now face the United Koreans of Japan in the first quarter-final, while Raetia will compete in a placement game.

United Koreans of Japan 0 – 3 Kurdistan, Sukhum
A powerful display from Kurdistan earned them top spot in Group B, defeating the United Koreans of Japan 3-0 in sunny Sukhum. The Kurds opened the scoring in the 25th minute, before converting a penalty on the stroke of half-time to give the team a commanding lead at the break.

Despite several attacking opportunities, the United Koreans of Japan were unable to break through and Kurdistan sealed the result with a third goal.

Panjab 5 – 0 Somaliland, Gagra
Panjab continued their strong run of form with a 5-0 victory over Somaliland in beautiful Gagra, thanks to a hat-trick from Amar Purewal and goals to Gurjit Singh and Arjun Purewal. Singh, who plays in England for Kidderminster Harriers, also scored in Panjab’s previous encounter with Sapmi and will be key when his side faces Western Armenia in the quarter-final.

While Somaliland players were disappointed with a second consecutive loss, the team has battled valiantly in both games and will look to record a win in their placement game

Highlights coming soon.

Abkhazia 1 – 0 Western Armenia, Sukhum
Hosts Abkhazia cemented their status as tournament favourites with a thrilling 1-0 victory against Western Armenia. In front of a sell-out crowd in Sukhum, the home side scored early but had to repel several threatening Western Armenian attacks.

Abkhazia coach Beslan Adjinjal spoke to the media following the win. “We are very proud to play before our people, and there was absolutely no spare space in the stadium,” he observed. “We are very confident of winning the 2016 World Football Cup – playing in our home country gives us great confidence.”

 

On Wednesday 1 May, the United Koreans of Japan tackle Northern Cyprus in the first quarter-final at 3pm local time (GMT+3). Sapmi then face Abkhazia at 8pm local time. Both games are in Sukhum. Watch live on SolidTango or follow match updates on MobStats. Also be sure to follow our tournament updates on social media: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

The 2016 CONIFA World Football Cup began in style on Sunday, with four action-packed games providing plenty of excitement for local and visiting fans. Check out our full match wraps below.

Padania 1 – 2 Northern Cyprus, Gagra
Two heavyweight teams offered an excellent advertisement for the CONIFA World Football Cup, with Northern Cyprus overturning a first-half deficit with two quick goals to beat Padania in the opening game.

Padania manager Arturo Merlo explained following the match: “We come here as the European Champions of CONIFA. I was pleased with the initial performance, but we could not find an equaliser. Tomorrow we need a win.”

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Kurdistan 3 – 0 Székely Land, Sukhum
Kurdistan opened their account at the CONIFA World Football Cup in impressive form, defeating a spirited Székely Land in Sukhum. After an even first-half, the physically fitter Kurds overwhelmed their Szeklers opponents to take victory at the Dinamo Stadium.

Farhang Wirya, Farhan Shokor and Huner Ahmed each scored a goal apiece in the win, cementing Kurdistan’s position as one of the tournament favourites.

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Somaliland 0 – 5 Sapmi, Gagra
Sapmi showed their footballing class in Gagra, running out 5-0 winners over Somaliland. Sapmi coach Morten Pedersen, who had a lengthy playing career in the Bundesliga and with Norwegian side Tromso, said: “We scored some really nice goals today. We tried to stretch them and make them tired, and our plan worked.”

Despite the result, Somaliland centre-back Guiled Aden spoke highly of his time so far in Abkhazia. “We are very disappointed to lose our first game,” he said. “For most of us this is our first game playing together, and to lose our goalkeeper to injury at 0-1 was challenging. But we are loving the country and the people, and having a great time.”

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Abkhazia 9 – 0 Chagos Islands, Sukhum
Host team Abkhazia recorded a dominant victory over the Chagos Islands in front of a packed local crowd in Sukhum. After creating some early chances, the Chagossians conceded a penalty and had a player sent off. This opened the goal-scoring floodgates for Abkhazia, who proceeded to control the remainder of the game.

In a heart-warming conclusion to the game, the Chagos Islands team were cheered off the pitch by the local Abkhazian fans.

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On Monday 30 May, Székely Land tackle the United Koreans of Japan, the Chagos Islands face Western Armenia, Padania and Raetia clash while Panjab squares off against Sapmi. Watch live on SolidTango or follow match updates on MobStats.

During the 3rd AGM in Bergamo, Italy, on the 09.01.2016 the members of CONIFA elected the 12 teams that will participate in the World Football Cup #Abkhazia2016.

We congratulate the following 12 teams that will battle for glory in Sukhum:

• Abkhazia
• Chagos Islands
• Kurdistan
• Northern Cyprus
• Padania
• Panjab
• Raetia
• Romani People
• Sapmi
• Somaliland
• United Koreans in Japan
• Western Armenia

More detailed information about the World Football Cup #Abkhazia2016 can be found on the official tournament homepage:

www.worldfootballcup.org