A total of 180 players underwent drug testing during the 2024 FMF Inter District Championship (IDC) at Churchill Park in Lautoka, with 21 players testing positive.
This marks a significant increase from last year’s seven, as confirmed by Fiji FA Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Yusuf.
Yusuf stated that the players who tested positive were immediately suspended and will face the Fiji FA Disciplinary Committee.
Penalties for first-time offenders include a three-month suspension and a $300 fine, payable by both the player and their district. Second-time offenders will face a three-year suspension and a $500 fine. The disciplinary committee will determine whether to adjust the penalties.
Addressing rumors circulating on social media, Yusuf clarified that Extra Supermarket Rewa’s player, John Orobulu, tested negative, not positive.
“People should stop spreading fake news and tarnishing someone’s image. If he had tested positive, his name would have been blocked in our Comet System,” said Yusuf.
Rewa FC had already clarified the reason for Orobulu’s absence from the semi-final.
