Conflicting directives from the Fiji Sports Council (FSC) have caused significant access challenges for local journalists, raising concerns about the transparency of reporting at state-funded sporting venues. This turmoil comes amidst an independent investigation into the Council’s leadership, following allegations of financial mismanagement and dubious travel sponsorships.
Gilbert Vakalalabure, the chief executive of the FSC, has claimed that there is no media ban in place. However, journalists from various newsrooms report being denied access by security personnel or being handed inadequate credentials to enter facilities like the HFC Bank Stadium. The Fijian Media Association (FMA) has voiced their concerns, emphasizing that such restrictions could undermine the transparency essential in light of the ongoing investigations.
While Vakalalabure insists that reporters merely need valid accreditation, a lack of organizational readiness within the FSC has been put into question. Recent reports indicate that some journalists were compelled to use expired media passes from 2025 due to the unavailability of updated credentials. In a particularly unusual incident, security personnel directed competing journalists to share a single temporary pass, requiring them to return it after each use—bizarrely contrasting with the previous year’s system of annual permanent passes.
These logistical problems seem to contradict the official position of the FSC board, which states that a full media ban would necessitate a unanimous board vote, an action that has not been publicly communicated. As confusion persists, the FSC has appointed an independent investigator to assess the CEO’s conduct, responding to directives from the Prime Minister’s Office.
In addition to access issues, media representatives have expressed dissatisfaction with the quality and professionalism of the current media passes, asserting that they do not meet the standards expected from a national sporting institution.
This situation presents both challenges and opportunities for improved communication within the FSC. As the organization works towards resolving its internal issues and ensuring a transparent process, there is hope that the clarity surrounding media access will enhance the overall involvement of journalists in covering Fiji’s sporting events.