FAWP Presence and Impact

FAWP was represented by President Simon Sapioper and Secretary Jeroen Zandberg, who also serves as the General Secretary of CONIFA. Both of them were busy during and after the AGM, participating in discussions and media activities, including conducting interviews with TV and newspaper reporters present.

These interviews helped to underscore FAWP’s mission: the advancement of West Papuan identity via international football. Every FAWP match is more than a game—it is a cultural event. The West Papuan flag is flown, the national anthem played, and traditional music and foods are introduced to the broader audience. These elements of identity help to establish a robust platform for exposure and community building, both within player ranks and the wider West Papuan diaspora.

To compete in international competitions not only allows players the chance to display their talent on the global arena, but also sends a powerful message about the strength and pride of the West Papuan people.

CONIFA Asia-Oceania Committee Meeting

As a member of CONIFA Asia-Oceania, FAWP was also part of the Asia-Oceania regional committee meeting during the AGM. This committee gathers all the members from the Asian and Oceania regions so that actions can be coordinated and regional collaboration enhanced. The majority of members, such as Tibet, Hmong, and East Turkestan, attended the meeting virtually, but Ruby-Ann Kagaoan, President of CONIFA Asia-Oceania, was present in person together with the President and Secretary of FAWP, Mr. Sapioper and Mr. Zandberg. The future events and competitions throughout the region were on the agenda of the meeting. One of the main initiatives outlined was the CONIFA Oceania Paradise Cup, which is of specific importance to West Papua. The name “Paradise” is derived from the Birds of Paradise—native to the island of New Guinea. It has also been the title of the West Papua national football team since its establishment.

Cultural Exchange and Future Collaboration

On the second day of the AGM, the delegates were taken on a tour of Genoa’s historic center. Strolling through the narrow streets and grand palaces of the city, including those replicated by Rubens centuries earlier, participants discovered Genoa’s place in maritime history and European civilization.

In addition to the official meetings, there were a number of informal dinners and talks, where FAWP managed to discuss future collaboration with other football associations. One of the tangible results was the invitation of the Chameria team to take part in the tournament hosted by FAWP in the Netherlands later this year. Initiatives like these demonstrate FAWP’s dedication not just to its own people, but to building up solidarity and collaboration between CONIFA’s varied membership.

Looking Ahead

FAWP’s attendance at the 2025 CONIFA AGM is a testament to its growing profile and activity in non-FIFA football. Through the combination of sport, culture, and diplomacy, the association is delivering tangible opportunities to players, supporters, and the broader West Papuan community. The Genoa spirit—full of history and discovery—resonated with FAWP’s own mission: to break new ground, bridge gaps through football, and boldly carry the West Papua identity onto the global stage.