Defending champions Nadi and Sabeto have faced disqualification from the 65th Tebara Halal Meats Muslim Inter District Championship (IDC) taking place at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. This decision was made by the Fiji Muslim Sports Association (FMSA) following serious concerns raised about the integrity of their group match, which occurred yesterday.
Initially, the result of the match was declared null and void, with a coin toss determining which of the two teams would progress. However, new information led to additional deliberation with the Fiji Muslim League, resulting in the Consultative and Disciplinary Committee determining that both teams violated the principles of integrity, fair play, and sportsmanship as per the FMSA Code of Conduct.
Consequently, both Nadi and Sabeto will not be participating in the remainder of the tournament, effective immediately. Furthermore, an Independent Investigation Committee will be set up to thoroughly examine the match and uncover any unsporting conduct, aiming to identify individuals who may have acted against the spirit of the game.
With the disqualification of Nadi and Sabeto, Rewa will now advance to face Suva in the first semifinal today, while Ba takes on Drasa in the second semifinal. Nadi had previously defeated Rewa 3-0 in the quarterfinals, showcasing their potential to perform well in this tournament prior to the unfortunate disqualification.
This situation highlights the importance of maintaining integrity in sports, ensuring that all teams compete fairly and uphold the values of sportsmanship. As the investigation proceeds, there is hope that the findings will foster a stronger commitment to these principles within the league, allowing for a more transparent and competitive environment in future championships.
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