The 2025 FMF Inter-District Championship yielded impressive gate takings of nearly $500,000 upon its return to the 4R Stadium, Govind Park in Ba. Specifically, the event garnered a total of $497,341.90, as detailed in the Fiji Football Association’s income and expenditure account presented during their recent council meeting in Suva.
In addition to gate receipts, the Fiji FA also reported other significant income sources for the tournament. Sponsorship contributions amounted to $120,000, while pay-per-view earnings were recorded at $170,720.02. Broadcasting rights added up to $27,391.31, and registration proceeds were noted at $3,800.05. Altogether, the gross income from the championship reached $819,253.28, with total expenses at $380,793.99, resulting in a net surplus of $374,507.73.
Notable expenditures included a 25% share of gate takings, approximately $93,211.48, to the Ba Town Council, and a 5% payment of $24,867.10 to the online ticketing platform, Ticketmate. Additionally, value-added tax was accounted for, contributing to the overall financial figures.
The surge in attendance reflects a revitalized interest in football, particularly in Ba, where efforts from the newly elected president of the Ba Football Association, Praneel Dayal, sought to rejuvenate the local football spirit. The tournament concluded with full capacity at the stadium, with a remarkable 13,118 attendees during the final between Ba and Rewa. This number marks the highest attendance ever recorded for the Inter-District Championship since its inception in 1938.
In contrast, the MSG Cup faced a different financial reality, recording a deficit of $19,892. This was due to expenses of $272,892 exceeding total revenue of $253,000. Similarly, the Futsal Champions League reported a deficit of $9,363, with total expenses surpassing total revenue by a small margin. However, good news emerged from the Thailand tour, which saw a surplus of $9,859.
The successful turnout for the Inter-District Championship not only highlights the growing enthusiasm for football in Fiji but also showcases the event’s potential for economic benefits in the local community. This revival of interest demonstrates hope for the future of football in the region and the commitment of stakeholders to foster its growth.
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