The Fiji Football Association Board is set to convene shortly to formulate a budget aimed at drug awareness initiatives. Chief Executive Mohammed Yusuf expressed concern over the increasing number of football players testing positive for drug use, highlighting the urgency for action.
He cited that twenty-one players tested positive during the recent FMF Inter District Championship in Lautoka, a significant rise compared to only seven cases reported in the prior tournament. Yusuf noted, “This is a national trend now, and the rise in substance abuse reflected in the tests shows that the Government is right on track with their concerns.”
The association plans to collaborate with relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Fiji Police Force, to enhance their efforts in addressing this issue. Yusuf emphasized the need for the Board to approve their budget, which will allocate funds to engage the services of psychologists and experts targeting footballers and those associated with the sport. He pointed out that the trend indicates that more than half of the players are involved in drug use.
As part of their social responsibility, the Fiji FA aims not only to monitor and penalize offenders but also to leverage the data they collect to educate the youth of Fiji about the dangers of drug use and its impact on families, villages, and the broader community.
In the meantime, players who tested positive during the Inter District Championship have been suspended and will face the Fiji FA Disciplinary Committee. First-time offenders face a three-month suspension and a $200 fine, which must be paid by both the player and their district. Second-time offenders will incur a three-year suspension and a $500 fine, while repeat offenders will receive a similar three-year suspension and fine. The disciplinary committee will evaluate the possibility of adjusting these penalties.
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