Stephane Auvray of Guadeloupe sits on the field after a 5-1 loss to Costa Rica during the CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinals at Dallas Cowboys Stadium on July 19, 2009 in Arlington, Texas. Photo: AFP / Ronald Martinez
The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) has appointed former professional footballer Stéphane Auvray as the new head coach of the men's national team.
The Frenchman, who played for and captained Guadeloupe - an overseas region of France - was unveiled as Rob Sherman's replacement in Suva on Monday.
Sherman parted ways with the Fiji FA in July by "mutual agreement" after serving just over two years of his three-year contract.
Last month, Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel told local reporters that the new national head coach would be a local candidate.
"The new head coach will be a local coach to be based in Fiji," Patel was quoted as saying by The Fiji Times.
He said six candidates were shortlisted from a pool of 38 candidates.
Auvray, 44, played as a midfielder and has impressive credentials, including UEFA coaching licences and experiences as a FIFA talent coach.
Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel, left, and the new Fiji men's national team coach Stephane Auvray in Suva on Monday. 20 October 2025 Photo: Fiji Football Association
Fiji FA described Auvray's appointment as "a fresh start" as the men's national team aims to improve its performance and build a stronger foundation ahead of 2026 season.
It added Auvray brings technical understanding, having played in Major League Soccer and in the Singapore Premier League.
Auvray told reporters in Suva that "there's a lot to be done".
Last week, a former local district football administrator and civil society leader criticised the Fiji FA, saying the sport "has been held hostage" by "a small clique of long-tenured officials".
Nilesh Lal said: "Fiji's football leadership today has no real accountability to its stakeholders or fans."
But the Fiji FA declined to respond to Lal's criticism, stating that his claims were "factually wrong".
"Fiji FA wishes not to comment on this person's commentary as we do not respond to any social media comments and/or comments," Yusuf said in an email response to RNZ Pacific.
