Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stated that any allegations regarding the misuse of funds linked to rugby players should be addressed during the Fiji Rugby Union’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and should be subject to investigation.
Rabuka made these remarks in response to inquiries about a recent live interview conducted by Facebook influencer Lesi Vanuavou. In this interview, senior rugby players Lepani Botia, Semi Radradra, and Waisea Nayacalevu voiced concerns over unpaid contracts, unfulfilled promises, and issues with coaches and officials not being compensated.
Nayacalevu specifically called for accountability from the Fiji Rugby Union and advocated for significant changes within the organization. Rabuka expressed his concern regarding the statements made by the rugby representatives, emphasizing that the players do not manage the funds; rather, it is the responsibility of the officials.
He pointed out that the utilization of funds is disclosed in the union’s financial statements, which are audited by credible auditors and presented at the AGM. Any discrepancies, he stated, should be carefully examined during the meeting and reported for proper investigation.
Rabuka also indicated that the government would not intervene in the recent allegations concerning mismanagement at the FRU. He referred to the FRU’s clear stance during their last AGM of not wanting government involvement in rugby affairs in Fiji, stating, “And I and my Government will respect that.”
Last year, the FRU was removed from the World Rugby Council following the election of the Coalition Government, which established an interim board to create a new constitution. However, World Rugby reinstated the FRU as a member of the governing body’s council last month after nearly 15 months of suspension attributed to “governance challenges.”