National futsal coach Jose Gerardo has expressed his enthusiastic support for the Fiji Football Association’s newly introduced player eligibility rule, which mandates that players must exclusively commit to either futsal or traditional football competitions. He considers this a significant positive advancement for both sports, suggesting that focused dedication will improve professionalism and competitiveness at the national level.
Gerardo believes that the regulation will enable futsal athletes to train and compete with higher intensity, while allowing football players to dedicate their full effort to the 11-a-side format. This concentrated approach is expected to boost consistency and quality in player performances, enhancing Fiji’s capability on the regional stage.
The recent Extra Futsal IDC 2025 served as an effective platform for talent identification, with the defending champions, Suva, triumphing over Tailevu Naitasiri with a convincing 3–0 victory in the final. Gerardo praised the organization of the event and expressed gratitude to both the Fiji Football Association and Extra Supermarket for their unwavering support in promoting the growth of futsal in the nation.
The positive sentiments surrounding the new eligibility rule, combined with the success of the Extra Futsal IDC, signal an encouraging direction for the sport in Fiji. With the commitment to developing a focused player base, the future of futsal appears promising, fostering a vibrant sporting community and enhancing local talent in the national and international arenas. As positivity and enthusiasm flourish, there is hope for continued growth and success in Fijian futsal.