The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) has made a pivotal ruling in favor of Nadi FC following a protest against Navua FC due to the latter representing an ineligible player in their Round 18 Extra Premier League match. This decision arose after it was confirmed that Navua FC fielded a suspended player, who had accumulated yellow cards, despite receiving notification of the suspension via email on September 16 and 24.
The Fiji FA Board of Control conducted an emergency meeting, affirming that Navua FC’s actions breached league regulations. As per Article 26.3 of the Extra Premier League Regulations, the protest was successful, granting Nadi FC three points and a 3-0 victory for the match. This decisive action aligns with Fiji FA’s ongoing commitment to uphold the integrity of the competition.
Further underscoring its dedication to fair play and ethical conduct, the Fiji FA has initiated a comprehensive inquiry into the incident, following Articles 6.1 and 6.2(a) regarding the Integrity of the Competition and Match-Fixing. The Integrity Committee has been tasked with conducting an exhaustive investigation, involving both clubs, with a detailed report expected at the upcoming Board meeting on Saturday. Should the findings necessitate, the issue may be forwarded to the Ethics Committee for potential additional actions.
This persistent pursuit of transparency and discipline is a testament to Fiji FA’s principle to protect the essence of football within the country. Past measures include taking disciplinary steps against match officials for dubious decisions, dealing with player eligibility challenges, and ensuring regulatory adherence across districts. The association’s efforts not only emphasize accountability but also reflect its determination to cultivate a football culture characterized by integrity and fairness for players, teams, and fans alike.