The Fiji Football Association’s under-16 boys’ youth league matches in Suva were disrupted yesterday due to the late arrival of referees, resulting in a delay of the scheduled games. Initially set to kick off at 10 am, players arrived ready in their full gear but found themselves waiting on the field for officiating personnel, with the re-scheduled start pushed back to 11:30 am.
Umesh Narayan, the manager of the Rewa under-16 boys’ team, voiced his frustration regarding the situation, emphasizing the importance of the boys’ commitment and well-being. Many of these young athletes had completed their warm-up in rainy conditions only to sit idle as they awaited the referees. Narayan noted a similar incident had occurred weeks earlier during matches at Manoca, Nausori, and he urged the Fiji FA to rectify these issues to protect the integrity and image of youth football in Fiji.
Fiji FA CEO Mohammed Yusuf acknowledged the delays, indicating that appropriate action would be taken against the referees who failed to show up on time. He highlighted that such disruptions undermine Fiji Football’s reputation and that the association takes these matters seriously.
This incident reflects broader challenges within the league as the Fiji FA previously faced scrutiny over refereeing standards, including a recent decision to stand down officials following complaints about officiating during tournaments. Continuous efforts are being made to improve the reliability of match officiating, ensuring better experiences for players and teams alike.
With a commitment to enhancing the quality of officiating and addressing logistical issues, the Fiji FA aims to promote a more structured and positive environment for youth football, fostering the development of young athletes in the sport.