Two additional players have tested positive for illegal drugs at the 2025 Extra Battle of the Giants football tournament, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to three. Mohammed Yusuf, the Chief Executive of the Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA), shared this update with Times Sport, following the testing of 24 players. On the first day of testing, only one player out of 24 recorded a positive result.
The Fiji FA is set to conduct another round of testing today, with results expected to be announced tomorrow. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding drug use within Fijian football, paralleling a rise in positive cases observed during the recent 2024 FMF Inter District Championship (IDC), where 21 out of 180 players tested positive for banned substances.
The Fiji FA has emphasized the importance of stringent testing and educational initiatives to combat substance abuse in sports. Efforts have been made to enhance awareness around the risks associated with drug use, with hopes that these measures will contribute to a cleaner and fairer competitive environment in Fijian football.
While the current situation presents challenges, it also underscores an opportunity for the Fiji FA to reinforce its commitment to maintaining integrity in the sport, and there is optimism that continued education and testing will foster a healthier future for players in Fiji.
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