The Fiji Sports Council Board is unique in its governance structure, featuring an Executive Chairman who is also the Chief Executive Officer, Gilbert Vakalalabure. This distinctive setup has led the board, chaired by Peter Mazey, to express surprise and concern over various allegations made against Vakalalabure.
Mazey highlighted that the dual role of chairman and CEO may contribute to communication gaps within the board, stating that there have been instances where decisions were made yet the board lacked continuous updates, indicating potential oversight in governance.
In light of the serious allegations, the Sports Council Board has decided to place Vakalalabure and Operations Manager Litia Senibulu on administrative leave while investigations take place. An independent Australian finance company, Pherrus, has been commissioned to conduct these investigations for a fee of under $50,000. The inquiry is set to address 16 key issues over the next three weeks, as outlined in their Terms of Reference.
Among the matters to be investigated are financial agreements with Fiji Airways, expenditures related to the FSC’s Under 20 trip to New Zealand, and the validity of the council’s sponsored tournaments. Additionally, the investigation will delve into the CEO’s and Executive Chairman’s ongoing contracts, staff engagement practices, the issue of drivers’ overtime for personal use, and the council’s processes for contracts and tenders.
The inquiry will also scrutinize claims of mismanagement, unauthorized spending, the board’s response to prior resolutions, employee concerns, and alleged breaches of policy or law. Other specific points of concern include the SportsWorx agreement and the dealings with Pacific Procurement Management and Investment Services.
Despite previous scrutiny from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), which cleared Vakalalabure of related complaints, the Sports Council Board is moving forward with the independent investigator to address new allegations rather than focus on past findings. This step reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability, ultimately aimed at strengthening the governance of the Fiji Sports Council and restoring public trust. The forthcoming investigation may pave the way for necessary reforms within the organization, fostering a more efficient and reliable structure for future operations.