Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stated that any allegations regarding the misuse of funds involving rugby players should be addressed during the Fiji Rugby Union’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and reported for investigation.
His remarks came in response to a live interview conducted by Facebook influencer Lesi Vanuavou, where notable players Lepani Botia, Semi Radradra, and Waisea Nayacalevu discussed issues such as unpaid contracts, unfulfilled promises, and the lack of payment for coaches and officials. Nayacalevu specifically demanded accountability from the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) and called for significant reforms within the organization.
“It is concerning to hear these issues being raised by national rugby representatives,” Rabuka remarked. He emphasized that players do not manage funds; rather, it is the officials who do so. The Prime Minister noted that financial matters related to the union are detailed in their audited accounts, which are presented at the AGM. He urged that any discrepancies should be examined during this meeting and reported for further investigation.
Rabuka clarified that the government would not interfere in the recent allegations of mismanagement at the FRU. “The Fiji Rugby Union made it known at their last AGM that they prefer not to have any government involvement in rugby matters,” he said, reinforcing the government’s respect for this stance.
The FRU was suspended from the World Rugby Council last year following the formation of the Coalition Government, which appointed an interim board to develop a new constitution. Last month, after nearly 15 months of suspension due to “governance challenges,” World Rugby reinstated the FRU as a member of the governing body’s council.