Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stated that any allegations regarding the misuse of funds involving rugby players should be addressed at the Fiji Rugby Union’s annual general meeting (AGM) and investigated accordingly. His remarks came after a live interview hosted by Facebook influencer Lesi Vanuavou, which featured senior players Lepani Botia, Semi Radradra, and Waisea Nayacalevu. They voiced concerns over unpaid contracts, unfulfilled promises, and compensation issues for coaches and officials.
Nayacalevu specifically called for accountability from the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) and proposed significant changes at the organization. Rabuka expressed his concern over the claims made by national rugby representatives, emphasizing that while players are not responsible for handling funds, it is the officials who are accountable.
“The use of funds is disclosed in the union’s financial reports, which undergo audits by credible auditors and are presented during the annual general meetings,” Rabuka explained, adding that any discrepancies should be examined at the AGM and reported for thorough investigation.
The Prime Minister also confirmed that the government would not interfere in the current allegations of mismanagement at the FRU. “The Fiji Rugby Union clarified during their last AGM that they prefer no government involvement in rugby matters in Fiji, and my government will respect that decision,” he stated.
The FRU was previously suspended from the World Rugby Council last year following the transition to the Coalition Government, which appointed an interim board to develop a new constitution. However, World Rugby restored the FRU’s council membership last month after a suspension lasting nearly 15 months due to governance issues.