The Chief Executive of the Fiji Football Association, Mohammed Yusuf, has announced that 21 out of 180 players tested positive for drugs during the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship (IDC) held at Churchill Park in Lautoka. This represents a notable rise from the seven positive cases recorded the previous year.
Yusuf stated that players found to have tested positive will be immediately suspended and will have to appear before the Fiji FA Disciplinary Committee. For first-time violations, penalties include a three-month suspension and a fine of $200, which must be paid by both the player and their respective district.
Players who are caught a second time will face a three-year suspension and a $500 fine, while repeat offenders will incur the same penalties. The disciplinary committee will have the authority to modify these penalties as deemed necessary.