The Chief Executive of the Fiji Football Association, Mohammed Yusuf, has announced that out of 180 players tested for drugs during the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship (IDC) at Churchill Park in Lautoka, 21 players have returned positive results. This figure is a notable increase from the seven cases reported last year.
Yusuf stated that the players who tested positive have been suspended immediately and will appear before the Fiji FA Disciplinary Committee.
For first-time offenders, the penalties include a three-month suspension and a $200 fine, which must be paid by both the player and their district. Second-time offenders face a more severe consequence, including a three-year suspension and a $500 fine, while repeat offenders will also receive a three-year suspension and a $500 fine, payable by both the player and their district. The disciplinary committee will have the authority to consider adjustments to these penalties.