FIFA

Fiji will firstly host Tonga on 19 August at Govind Park in Ba, before playing American Samoa at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on 27 August.

The two visitors will compete when Oceania FIFA World Cup qualifying commences on 31 August in Tonga. One spot will be up for grabs in Stage 2 over the course of the five-day tournament, which also features Cook Islands and Samoa.

Fiji coach Carlos Buzzetti has named a strong 23-man squad for the matches including Wellington Phoenix striker Roy Krishna, powerful attacker Osea Vakatalesau and U-20 captain Jale Dreloa.

Thomas Bach, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, told journalists attending the 128th IOC Session in Malaysia that Blatter had sent him a letter last month informing him that his mandate as FIFA President would come to an end on February 26, when FIFA would elect a new head.

For this reason, and because he was unable to attend the Session, Bach went on, Blatter did not think it appropriate that he be proposed for a new IOC mandate.

Bach told IOC members he had written to Blatter to "thank him for his outstanding service".

The UEFA President has written to all 209 member associations of FIFA to inform them of his intention to stand, having received indications of support from five continental confederations.

"There are times in life when you have to take your destiny into your own hands," said the Frenchman in the letter. 

"I am at one of those decisive moments, at a juncture in my life and in events that are shaping the future of FIFA.

"This was a very personal, carefully considered decision, one in which I weighed up the future of football alongside my own future.

Following a 2-0 semi-final win against Vanuatu on Friday (July 10), New Zealand's opponents protested the eligibility of South African-born Deklan Wynne.

The protest was upheld at a disciplinary hearing Sunday as Vanuatu were handed a 3-0 walkover, putting them through to the final against Fiji later in the day. 

Vanuatu lost 4-3 on penalties here following a goalless draw after extra-time at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.

Fiji beat Vanuatu 4-3 in penalty shoot outs tonight at the Sir Hubert Murray stadium.

More To come..