Rewa football’s aspirations for the OFC Men’s Champions League 2025 are currently hindered by a registration issue involving three significant players. Defender Samuela Kautoga, winger James Hoyt, and goalkeeper James Do’oro from the Solomon Islands are ineligible to participate due to a misunderstanding regarding registration deadlines.
The root of the issue stems from a time zone discrepancy between Fiji and the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), which adheres to New Zealand’s daylight saving time. According to Fiji Football Association CEO, Mohammad Yusuf, the FFA submitted the registrations in accordance with Fiji’s local time. However, the OFC viewed the submissions as late, based on New Zealand’s time zone, claiming the deadline was missed by a day.
Yusuf stated, “Their registrations were received on time in Fiji, and we proceeded to get the ITCs. But the OFC is following New Zealand time. So what they’re saying is that based on that, the registration application for transfers was on the following day.”
The FFA is actively engaging with the OFC to seek a resolution, emphasizing that both Fiji and New Zealand operate under the same universal time standard, despite the daylight saving difference. A decision from the OFC is anticipated soon.
If the registrations for these players are not approved, Rewa will be missing crucial assets as they head into the tournament, including backup goalkeeper James Do’oro and injured player Asivorosi Rabo. This situation leaves them with only Alzar Alam as the available goalkeeper for competition.
Rewa’s situation mirrors challenges faced by teams in previous tournaments, highlighting the need for clear communication and procedures when dealing with international football regulations. It also underscores the growing importance of football in Fiji, as teams strive to represent their nations with pride. The outcome of this decision will be pivotal, not only for Rewa’s immediate prospects but also for the overall development and representation of Fijian football on the international stage.
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