Pawan Deo, a former accountant at the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), along with his wife Subhashni Mudaliar, has pleaded not guilty to charges related to fraud during a court session at the Suva Magistrate’s Court. The couple, facing allegations of conspiracy to defraud, obtaining a financial gain, and obtaining financial advantage, appeared before Magistrate Krishan Prasad for the recording of their plea.

The charges stem from claims that while Mr. Deo was the sole proprietor of Sports Supplies Limited (SSL) and the financial accountant for FRU, he, in conspiracy with Ms. Mudaliar, unlawfully acquired $53,788.75 from the organization between February 1 and July 31, 2022. The couple is also accused of facilitating fraudulent payments to SSL that resulted in an unwarranted gain of $7,291.83 for the company despite its ineligibility to receive such funds, which allegedly occurred between February 1 and May 11, 2022.

During the court proceedings, prosecution attorney Ravinesh Lal confirmed that all necessary disclosures were provided to the accused on November 26 of the previous year. The defendants’ legal representatives indicated plans to approach the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for a reconsideration of the charges.

Bail for the couple has been extended following the hearing, with their next court date set for February 28. The case highlights ongoing issues of accountability and governance within sporting organizations in Fiji, with the FICAC maintaining vigilance over corruption allegations.

This situation emphasizes the necessity for transparency and ethical conduct in sports management, an area crucial for maintaining the integrity of sports organizations. If proven guilty, the consequences for Mr. Deo and Ms. Mudaliar could serve as a warning to others in similar positions, reinforcing the importance of ethical decision-making in sports administration.

Summary: Pawan Deo and Subhashni Mudaliar have pleaded not guilty to fraud charges related to the Fiji Rugby Union. The couple allegedly conspired to misappropriate funds while managing Sports Supplies Limited. Their next court appearance is scheduled for February 28. The outcome may further impact standards of accountability in sports governance.