The Fiji Football Association Board is set to convene soon to formulate a budget aimed at drug awareness campaigns. Chief Executive Mohammed Yusuf expressed concern over the increasing number of footballers testing positive for drug use, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
Yusuf noted that 21 players tested positive during the recent FMF Inter District Championship in Lautoka, a significant rise compared to only seven cases in the previous tournament. He stated, “This is a national trend now, and the increase in substance abuse, as reflected in the tests, shows that the Government is right on track with their concerns.”
The Fiji FA plans to collaborate with relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Fiji Police Force, to enhance their efforts. “The Board will have to approve our budget. With this budget, we will engage the services of a psychologist and experts, targeting footballers and those associated with the sport. The trend is very clear, and more than half of them are using drugs,” he added.
Yusuf highlighted that as part of their social responsibility, the association aims not only to track and suspend offenders but also to use the data to educate the youth of Fiji on the dangers of drug abuse and its impact on families and communities.
In related news, players who tested positive for substance abuse during the IDC have been suspended and will appear before 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, with repeat offenders facing similar penalties.
The disciplinary committee will decide whether adjustments to the penalties are warranted.
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