Approximately $3.5 million was distributed to the Flying Fijians’ 33-member squad following their participation in last year’s World Cup in France. The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) disclosed this information in response to allegations made by former national captain Waisea Nayacalevu.
Nayacalevu claimed to the Daily Mail that the players considered boycotting their quarter-final match against England due to unresolved bonus payments and corruption issues within the Fijian Rugby Union. He expressed that they were determined not to compete, emphasizing the need to address ongoing issues within the organization.
While staying in Marseille, Nayacalevu organized a Zoom call to address the promised payments, stating a deadline for payments to be made before the quarter-final match. He noted this was not the first instance of unfulfilled commitments from the FRU, and he, along with several senior players, expressed their refusal to overlook the situation.
Having represented Fiji for over a decade, Nayacalevu remarked on the recurring issue of delayed payments and inadequate compensation. He noted that the players were only compensated shortly before the match, which he felt was distracting.
In a response from the FRU, it was clarified that each player in the squad received a sign-on fee of $30,000 and a daily allowance of $500 from July 16 to October 15, 2023. Additionally, government bonuses were promised based on team performance at various stages of the tournament.
The FRU outlined that all expenses related to the team’s World Cup preparation, including travel, accommodation, meals, and gear, were fully covered. They acknowledged a few delays in payments due to the verification of bank details for some overseas players.
Just days before the quarter-final, a Zoom meeting convened by the team manager involved Nayacalevu, other team members, and the Fiji Interim Rugby Administrator, during which they insisted on receiving their bonuses prior to playing. This demand raised concerns about financial strain on the FRU, prompting outreach to the Prime Minister for assistance to fulfill the players’ requests.
The FRU emphasized that they could not risk a boycott during such a crucial match, as it could lead to serious repercussions for the players and the organization. They confirmed that the promised bonuses had indeed been paid, and each squad member received approximately $105,000 for their participation in the World Cup.
The statement concluded with the FRU expressing concern over Nayacalevu’s allegations, asking him to specify any instances he perceives as corruption and to provide evidence for scrutiny.