FBC Sports is challenging the assertion made by Fiji Sports Council Chief Executive Officer Ratu Gilbert Vakalalabure, who stated that a reporter from FBC Sports was barred from entering HFC Bank Stadium due to the absence of a media pass. In a recent video interview, Vakalalabure emphasized that the reporter did not have the necessary accreditation; however, FBC Sports disputes this claim.
The reporter alleges that security personnel did not request a media pass but instead communicated that media coverage was prohibited at facilities managed by the Fiji Sports Council amid ongoing legal issues concerning Vakalalabure. This claim raises concerns about transparency and accessibility for media representatives covering sporting events.
FBC Sports highlighted that reporters have successfully covered various school inter-house competitions at Fiji Sports Council venues throughout the week without facing entry challenges. The new restriction appears to have been enforced solely when the reporter sought to cover an NFL clinic at Bidesi Park.
The Fiji Sports Council is currently under scrutiny due to a directive from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for an independent investigation into Sports Minister Jese Saukuru’s trip to New Zealand in January 2025, which is reportedly funded by the Council. The investigation also includes allegations of financial misconduct against the CEO.
In light of these developments, questions directed to Vakalalabure regarding his statements and the ongoing situation have yet to be addressed. The implications of these events not only affect the media’s role in reporting but also raise broader questions about governance and accountability within sports administration in Fiji.
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