The President of the Football Federation of American Samoa, Faiivae Alex Iuli, had to defend why such a large tract of government land should be leased to their sports organization for $1 a year when their funder, FIFA, is one of the richest sports organizations in the world. In addition, FFAS already has a sports field in Pago Pago.
Testifying on the 55-year lease for 5.3 acres of land for FFAS in the Senate yesterday, Faiivae explained that FIFA has committed more than $5 million to build a field and stadium on the land. He said this would enable Oceania soccer competitions to be held in the territory attracting 30 teams from 22 countries, who will all stay at hotels helping the territory’s economy.
He explained that the facilities being planned include offices, lockers, showers and bathrooms.
Faiivae told Senators the Pago Pago field, which is the only one in the territoy that is up to FIFA standards, is subject to the village curfew; and games have to end at 6pm, when the village sa begins.
The federation did host an Oceania soccer tournament once before, but it was co-hosted with Samoa and just the semi-finals and finals were played here.
The FFAS President said the lease allows the government to use the stadium and fields, as long as it gives notice 30-days prior.
They were initially looking at a bigger piece of land, however, the government has agreed to lease half of what was needed to FFAS.
The section being leased to the federation is the back portion adjacent to the Tony Solaita Baseball field.
When asked what the government is planning for the front portion of the land, both, Faiivae and the Governor’s Chief Legal Counsel Kristi Thaxton said they were not aware of ASG’s plans.
