A family is preparing to take legal action after alleging they were unjustly accused of requesting $140,000 from the Fiji Football Association (FFA) for their son’s medical treatment following injuries sustained during training. Ruci Brown, the boy’s mother, expressed her heartbreak and frustration regarding the handling of her son’s situation.
“My son suffered an injury while training at Fiji Football in Suva; he dislocated a bone,” Ruci recounted. She claims that the association failed to provide the necessary medical care after his injury occurred. As the only child from the North injured during this training session, Ruci emphasized that all they sought was proper care for their son.
Ruci was adamant about the seriousness of her son’s injury, indicating the emotional toll it has taken on their family. “We gave them the chance to do the right thing, but they never called back, never checked the facts, and only shared a false narrative with the public,” she lamented. The Browns clarified that they are not seeking monetary support from the FFA as they are capable of affording the operation themselves.
The family has presented medical documentation, including a bill and reports from Oceania Hospital in Suva, supporting their claims. The reports indicate that her 12-year-old son experienced hip pain and limping resulting from a soccer-related injury incurred in December 2025. Medical examinations revealed an irritable joint with deformity, and further scans hinted at a potential infection.
This situation escalated following a statement from FFA President Rajesh Patel, who addressed the association’s policy regarding players’ injuries. He mentioned that after visiting a private hospital, a hip dislodgment was diagnosed, with surgical costs estimated at $140,000. Patel advised that the family was encouraged to seek treatment at a government hospital, which would be covered under the FFA’s insurance policy.
He reiterated the importance of adhering to the official injury reporting process, which involves completing a form signed by a government hospital doctor that documents the injury, necessary treatment, and anticipated costs. “If this process is followed, we will cover all medical costs for treatment and recovery,” Patel assured, emphasizing the obligation of officials to ensure proper procedures are in place immediately following an injury.
The Browns wish to see their son’s plight resolved fairly, bringing attention to the need for better protocols and care in sports to protect young athletes.
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