The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) Board of Control has introduced a pivotal modification to its foreign player regulations ahead of the 2026 season. This change allows districts to replace foreign players who were registered at the season’s outset, addressing concerns over the effectiveness of some foreign recruits.
Maintaining the limit of three foreign players per district, the new policy permits districts to substitute underperforming foreign players during the June transfer window. This adjustment will enable clubs to release players and acquire new ones through the International Transfer Certificate (ITC) process, ensuring that outgoing players can return to their home nations while new foreign talents can be secured.
Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel articulated that this decision stems directly from input received from districts, which have struggled with foreign players showing inconsistent performance during competitions. The Board plans to re-evaluate this policy in the forthcoming Council meeting, with potential considerations to confine future foreign player registrations to the June transfer window only.
Additionally, in a correlated decision, the Fiji FA is instituting stricter regulations concerning ITCs for players holding Fijian passports. The Association will no longer facilitate ITCs for players who take part in local competitions but subsequently depart for overseas opportunities without fulfilling their obligations, particularly when districts qualify for significant regional tournaments like the Pacific Cup.
Through these measures, the Fiji Football Association aims to enhance the integrity of local competitions and ensure that foreign player contributions are both substantial and in line with the broader objectives of the districts. As the Fiji FA embraces these changes, it demonstrates a steadfast commitment to bolstering the quality of its leagues and maintaining competitiveness on both regional and international fronts. This proactive approach not only aims to improve team performances but also supports the growth of football in Fiji, fostering a more vibrant sports culture.