South Melbourne FC has been awarded a new licence to compete in the newly formulated Oceania Professional League, commencing in January 2026.
Over the past few months, the club has worked tirelessly on its bid, ensuring it was in the strongest possible position to be selected.
South Melbourne has long held strong ties with the region, having been honoured as the Oceania Club of the Century and producing and attracting football talent across Oceania for decades.
This new licence provides the opportunity for South Melbourne to continue to operate as a professional football club, delivering pathway opportunities for players through the Oceania Professional League, the soon-to-be-launched Australian Championship, and the National Premier Leagues.
Lakeside Stadium will play an important role as the hub for the Australian component of the competition. The state-of-the-art venue will not only showcase world-class football to the local community but also provide a platform for professional football to thrive across Oceania.
General Manager Strati Xynas said: “This is a landmark moment for our club. To once again represent South Melbourne and Australia in an international competition is something we are incredibly proud of.”
“Our participation in this newly formulated league will strengthen our ties with the region, and Lakeside Stadium will be a focal point for this exciting journey,” he added.
“Our impact will be felt both locally and across Oceania, and we are overjoyed by today’s news as we continue to be a point of difference in Australian football.”
Further details will be announced in due course.
