28 Mar 2012

Solomon Islands to host Oceania Cup

6:46 pm on 28 March 2012

The Solomon Islands will host the Oceania Nations Cup men's football tournament in June, after Fiji were stripped of the event earlier this month.

The tournament is the second stage of the Oceania qualifying process for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, while the winner will also qualify for the next year's Confederations Cup, also in Brazil.

The Nations Cup was shifted from Fiji after the country's interim government threatened legal action against OFC secretary general, Tai Nicholas, following comments he made about the country's judicial system.

The recent Men's Olympic qualifiers were also moved from Fiji to New Zealand.

Two bids to host the June tournament were received with Solomon Islands beating out New Caledonia.

All matches will be played at Honiara's Lawson Tama Stadium.