Fiji Football Association Chief Executive, Mohammed Yusuf, has responded to social media critics questioning the top eight format for tournaments. Over the weekend, a series of attacks emerged on social media after Nasinu, despite being eighth in the Digicel Fiji Premier League standings, was excluded from the upcoming Battle of the Giants. Instead, ninth-placed Suva automatically qualified as tournament hosts.
Speaking at the pool draws in Suva, Yusuf explained that the format was decided by the district executives, not the Fiji FA. “In 2022, the Fiji FA Council, consisting of officials from 20 affiliated districts, approved that the 8-team format must include the host team. Therefore, the host team plus the top seven ranked teams in the Digicel Premier League qualify for the tournaments,” said Yusuf.
He added, “We have no say in this. Despite being the ninth team in the rankings, Suva qualifies as the host of the BOG, resulting in Nasinu and Tailevu Naitasiri missing out.”
“We cannot bend or break the rules because this is the wish of the council members,” Yusuf emphasized.
Meanwhile, champions Labasa are placed in Group B with Fiji FACT champions Lautoka, FACT finalist Navua, and Nadi. Group A includes Suva, Rewa, Ba, and Nadroga. The group matches will take place at the HFC Bank Stadium from July 26-28, with the semifinals and final scheduled a week later at the same venue.