The Malolo Rugby Club has voiced serious concerns regarding the financial management of gate takings from the recent 2025 Skipper Cup competition. Through a Facebook post, the club has called for transparency and accountability from the Fiji Sports Council (FSC) and the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU).
The FSC reported that the Skipper Cup final attracted approximately 11,000 fans, with tickets priced at $20 each, suggesting a potential revenue of around $220,000. However, the actual reported revenue was significantly lower at just $59,000, prompting questions about the accuracy of ticket sales and the absence of a detailed financial breakdown.
As one of the finalists alongside Naitasiri, Malolo anticipated receiving about $20,000 from the gate receipts. However, inconsistencies in financial figures have arisen. The Naitasiri men’s team was also affected, facing deductions from their share, as $1,383.78 was redirected to support their U20 team, adding further complexity to the financial circumstances.
In their Facebook communication, Malolo Rugby raised critical questions regarding the gate revenue, particularly how semi-finals with over 9,000 attendees yielded $56,000, while the sold-out final produced only slightly more. They also challenged the decision to deduct FRU staff allowances from match-day income, which left teams to cover administrative expenses.
The club pointed out that their expected prize money of $20,000 was reduced to just over $16,000 due to compliance fines incurred during their rebuilding phase. Additionally, meal allowances fell short of expectations, with team members receiving only $120 via mobile payments at the finals, far less than the anticipated $1,000.
Fiji Rugby Union Chairman John Sanday has acknowledged the allegations and indicated that they would investigate the claims to ensure their accuracy before issuing any formal statements. Attempts to reach FSC’s CEO Gilbert Vakalalabure for additional clarification were unsuccessful during the reporting.
This unfolding situation underscores the necessity for transparent financial practices within sports organizations, as ensuring the integrity of competitions and support for athletes is essential. As the investigation proceeds, there is hope that constructive measures will be implemented to address the concerns raised, fostering greater accountability in the future.