Solomon Islands National Football captain Henry Fa'arodo poses infront of the the FIFA World CUp Trophy with France's Christian Karembeu in Honiara, Solomon Islands. 01 February 2018 Photo: Courtesy of Henry Fa'arodo
The FIFA World Cup Trophy is in Solomon Islands for the first time but football fans are struggling to see it as it is not allowed out of the airport terminal because of security concerns.
Football is the country's national sport and despite struggling to realise its full potential in the 11-a-side code Solomon Islands are the reigning Oceania futsal champions and have represented the region at consecutive FIFA Futsal World Cup Finals as well as past Beach Soccer Finals.
The president of the Solomon Island Football Federation William Lai said his organisation tried to secure more public access but they were overruled by sponsors, Coca Cola.
At its previous destination in Tonga the trophy was displayed in the centre of town at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.
Mr Lai said while it is an honour to have football's most coveted prize visit Solomon Islands, he is disappointed it was not made accessible to more people but he is holding out hope that it return one day.
"I am surely it will not be the last time. Because if FIFA and Coca Cola take our views on the opportunity should be given to the grassroots," he said.
"I think it should come very soon back to Solomon Islands again so that you feel the joy and happiness that football brings to our people."
