The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) is expressing concerns over venue management practices following a dispute with the Suva City Council (SCC) regarding the use of Albert Park for upcoming training sessions. Anushil Kumar, the general manager of Fiji FA, has urged the council to treat all sports equitably amidst booking conflicts that have arisen due to differing priorities for usage of the grounds.
The controversy stems from Fiji FA’s request for an 18-day booking for two training grounds in preparation for the OFC Women’s Nations Cup, scheduled to take place next month. In contrast, the SCC has favored shorter booking requests, stating that they cannot accommodate such a lengthy period. SCC’s acting chief executive, Tevita Boseiwaqa, explained that their preference is to limit bookings to four days or less for better management of the venue, which has led to priority being given to rugby events.
Kumar expressed disappointment regarding the communication from the SCC, asserting that there was no mention of the council’s preferences during prior negotiations. He indicated that Fiji FA had previously secured similar grounds without issues and argued that they had taken care to coordinate training schedules efficiently without conflicting with other events.
This scenario echoes a broader pattern in Fiji’s sporting landscape, where conflicts over venue management have been apparent, such as the recent issues faced at HFC Bank Stadium. These ongoing disputes have highlighted the necessity for better coordination and communication among various sporting entities in Fiji to ensure fair access and support for all sports.
In light of this situation, there is hope that this conflict will ultimately contribute to a more collaborative environment for sports governance in the country. By fostering discussions among different sporting codes, stakeholders can strive for better management practices that will benefit athletes across all disciplines, including the promotion of women’s sports—an area Kumar emphasized as crucial for equality in sports participation.
The successful resolution of these conflicts can pave the way for both football and rugby to thrive in Fiji, enhancing the country’s representation on the international stage and bolstering local sporting culture.
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