The Fiji Football Association Board of Control has made a significant change to its foreign player regulations for the upcoming 2026 season. This adjustment allows districts to replace overseas players who were initially registered at the start of the season, responding to concerns regarding the performance of some foreign recruits.
While the quota of three foreign players per district remains intact, districts will now have the opportunity to replace underperforming foreign players during the June transfer window. This means that foreign players can be released and subsequently replaced through the International Transfer Certificate (ITC) process. Outgoing players will return to their home countries, and new overseas players can be registered in their place.
Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel emphasized that this decision is a direct response to feedback from districts, which have faced challenges with foreign players not consistently contributing during competitions. The Board will revisit this policy in the upcoming Council meeting, with plans to potentially restrict future foreign player registrations to the June transfer window only.
In a separate but related decision, the Fiji FA is tightening regulations regarding ITCs for players with Fijian passports. The Association will cease to facilitate ITCs for players who participate in local competitions but subsequently leave for overseas opportunities without meeting their commitments, particularly in instances where districts qualify for prestigious regional tournaments like the Pacific Cup.
This approach aims to enhance the integrity of local competitions while ensuring that foreign player contributions are meaningful and aligned with the overall goals of the districts. As the Fiji Football Association navigates through these changes, it demonstrates an ongoing commitment to improving the quality of its leagues and ensuring that teams are competitive on both regional and international stages.