The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) is prepared to take legal action against the Fiji Sports Council if the conflict over the double booking of the HFC Bank Stadium on July 12 is not resolved. This situation arises as Fiji FA has previously secured the venue for the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Women’s Nations Cup, with confirmed bookings from July 5 to July 19 and full payment made last November.
On April 2, the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) announced an intention to host a Scotland Test match in the same venue on July 12, creating a significant scheduling conflict. Fiji FA Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Yusuf emphasized that accommodating the rugby match would threaten Fiji’s ability to host international and regional events, warning that FIFA might impose bans as a consequence.
Speaking with SUNsports, Yusuf affirmed their stance against hosting the rugby Test match, stating, “OFC has not allowed the ground to be used on this ambush approval for a third party.” He added that if the situation is not resolved soon, they are prepared to seek an injunction to protect women’s football opportunities in Fiji.
In previous situations, Fiji FA had already faced pressure from the council to accommodate rugby matches during their designated booking periods. Yusuf noted a prior warning from FIFA regarding a similar issue when they had allowed a Fijiana XVs match against Japan, signaling the seriousness of the current predicament.
Moreover, two local clubs have recently submitted applications to enter the proposed OFC Pro League, set to launch in early 2026, indicating the rising interest and investment in Fiji’s football landscape despite these challenges.
The legal action underscores the crucial role of proper venue management in fostering sports development. With the impending OFC Pro League, there is an opportunity for increased national and regional visibility for football, which can inspire grassroots support and foster young athletic talent in Fiji. The firm stance taken by Fiji FA demonstrates their commitment to advancing women’s football and maintaining the integrity of scheduling for local competitions.
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