The recent under-16 boys’ youth league matches organized by the Fiji Football Association in Suva faced significant disruptions due to the late arrival of referees yesterday, delaying the start of the games from the scheduled 10 am to 11:30 am. Players, geared up and eager to play, were left waiting on the field, leading to frustration among teams and coaches.
Umesh Narayan, the manager of the Rewa under-16 boys’ team, expressed his discontent with the situation, underscoring the importance of the young athletes’ commitment and well-being. Many players had already warmed up in wet conditions before being forced to idle while waiting for officiating personnel. Narayan pointed out that this was not an isolated incident, referencing a similar issue weeks earlier in Manoca, Nausori. He urged the Fiji FA to take action to safeguard the integrity and image of youth football in the country.
Fiji FA CEO Mohammed Yusuf responded to the delays, promising that appropriate action would be taken against the referees for their tardiness. He recognized that disruptions like this damage the reputation of Fiji Football and stressed the association’s commitment to addressing the issue seriously.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges within the league, as the Fiji FA has previously faced criticism regarding refereeing standards. Previous measures included standing down referees who had received complaints about their officiating during tournaments. The association is actively working to improve the reliability of match officiating, aiming to provide a better experience for players and teams.
With a focus on enhancing the quality of officiating and resolving logistical issues, the Fiji FA is dedicated to creating a more structured and positive atmosphere for youth football. This effort not only aims to uplift the sport’s standards but also fosters the development of young athletes, ensuring a bright future for football in Fiji.