The Chief Executive of the Fiji Football Association, Mohammed Yusuf, announced that 21 of the 180 players who were drug tested during the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship (IDC) at Churchill Park in Lautoka have tested positive. This figure represents a notable increase from the seven positive cases recorded last year.
Yusuf stated that players found to have violated the drug policy are being suspended pending their cases before the Fiji FA Disciplinary Committee. For first-time offenders, the penalties include a three-month suspension and a $200 fine, which is to be paid jointly by the player and their district. Second-time offenders will incur a three-year suspension and a $500 fine, while repeat offenders receive a similar penalty of a three-year suspension and a $500 fine, with costs shared between the player and district. The Disciplinary Committee holds the authority to modify these penalties as deemed necessary.