The Fiji Football Association is preparing to unveil the eight teams that will participate in the FMF Inter-District Championship (IDC) next month in Ba. This announcement comes after the conclusion of the Extra Premier League (EPL), where the top eight teams have qualified for the Premier Division of the IDC. However, some teams may encounter point deductions for not meeting regional club competition requirements.
According to Fiji FA CEO Mohammed Yusuf, teams that did not complete their regional club competitions in compliance with regulations will face penalties, which could affect the standings. The official list of qualifiers is expected to be revealed today. Currently, Ba, Rewa, Labasa, Lautoka, Navua, Suva, Nadroga, and Nasinu are the leading teams, while Nadi and Tavua failed to qualify.
This year, the Fiji FA had issued firm warnings to member associations about the potential consequences of not adhering to regional club leagues, stressing the impact on qualification for the IDC. Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel has reiterated the importance of complying with league commitments and stated there would be no exceptions for non-compliance this year.
The FMF IDC is slated to occur from October 7-12 at both 4R Stadium and Govind Park, with pool draws scheduled for tomorrow. In recent EPL play, Rewa defeated Nasinu 2-0, Navua won against Nadi with a score of 5-2, and Suva narrowly overcame Lautoka 2-1. Additionally, Labasa emerged victorious over Nadroga 5-2, and Ba claimed a 2-1 win against Tavua.
With a clear focus on adhering to regulations, the Fiji FA seeks to maintain fair competition in the IDC, underscoring the necessity for regional compliance to preserve the integrity and competitive nature of the tournament. The emphasis is on creating a level playing field and ensuring the championship proceeds smoothly, providing an exciting championship experience for teams and fans alike.