Fiji’s sporting landscape is again caught in a venue booking controversy as the Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) and the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) face off over the use of Alber Park in Suva. This dispute comes shortly after both organizations had resolved a previous double-booking issue with the Fiji Sports Council regarding the HFC Bank Stadium.
The current conflict arises because Fiji FA wants to use Alber Park for the upcoming OFC Women’s Nations Cup 2025, while the FRU requires the same venue for training in preparation for a match against the Scotland rugby team. Fiji FA asserted that they had formally submitted their request over a month ago, with their operations manager Anushil Kumar stating that during initial discussions with the Suva City Council (SCC), no conflicting bookings were highlighted.
The dialogue between the organizations took a tough turn when Kumar reported a significant increase in rental fees for event venues. Initially quoted at $52,000, the cost was revised to $36,000 after negotiations. Despite this decrease, Kumar mentioned that Fiji FA decided not to finalize payment while discussions were ongoing. Unfortunately, on June 17, 2025, Fiji FA received an email from the SCC declining their request, prioritizing the FRU’s training needs instead.
Expressing disappointment, Kumar emphasized the need for equality among sports, particularly for women’s events. Recognizing the OFC Women’s Nations Cup as pivotal for women’s football and gender equality in sport, he pointed out the event’s potential to generate about $1.7 million in economic benefits through local accommodations, transport, and services.
This latest issue continues to highlight the complexities of venue management in Fiji, reminiscent of past conflicts, notably involving the double bookings at HFC Bank Stadium. Previous articles have shown that coordination and communication among sporting organizations in Fiji are critical but often lacking.
Looking forward, there is hope that this situation will encourage both sporting codes to collaborate and improve their management practices, leading to a more harmonious sporting environment. The upcoming OFC Women’s Nations Cup is not just a chance for football to shine but also an opportunity for all sports in Fiji to gain recognition both locally and internationally. By fostering cooperation, Fiji can continue to build a vibrant sports culture that benefits athletes and fans alike.
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