A recent payment reconciliation document involving the Fiji Sports Council (FSC) and the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) uncovered a $21,957.51 deduction attributed to gate losses from a Pacific Nations Cup match. This deduction came from the ticket sales of the Skipper Cup final, which brought in a total revenue of $84,575.
The gate loss concerns an encounter in August between the Flying Fijians and Tonga, raising questions about the appropriateness of offsetting losses from an international event using revenue from a domestic competition. FRU CEO Koli Sewabu expressed surprise at this unexpected inclusion and quickly contacted the FSC for clarification.
“We noticed it when we received the financial details from the Fiji Sports Council. We immediately called them and informed them that this should not be included in the gate takings because it relates to a different event,” Sewabu stated in an interview. He confirmed that the issue was promptly resolved, with the FSC agreeing to separately bill the FRU for the gate loss.
Initially, the FRU was unaware that the Pacific Nations Cup loss was part of the financial documentation. Sewabu reaffirmed that this matter would not impact domestic revenue, emphasizing that it pertains to the national team and should not affect local competitions.
The reconciliation document indicated a total share of $46,653.74 for the FSC, while the FRU would receive $37,921.26. This scenario underscores the crucial need for transparent financial practices between sporting organizations, ensuring that revenue and losses are correctly reported. Such practices contribute to fostering healthier financial dynamics within Fiji’s sports community.
The quick resolution of this misunderstanding is a promising sign of a commitment to transparency and accountability in the financial management of rugby in Fiji, paving the way for a more collaborative future in sports administration.