Patel takes over from Dr. Muhammed Shams-UD-Dean Sahu Khan who held the top post for the past twenty six years.
It was a landslide victory for Patel who succeeded the “Wheels of Change” candidate Shailendra Prasad- 43 votes to 10.
And vice presidents Sheik Ibrahim and Yogeshwar Singh were also re-elected during the annual Fiji FA congress which was held at the new headquarters in Vatuwaqa on Wednesday night.
The congress elected in two more Western based vice presidents in form of Nadi FA President Jiten Kumar and former Lautoka FA official Tarunesh Reddy.
Kumar takes up the vice president’s post vacated by Patel and will serve a two year term.
On the night the “Wheels of Change” group may have opted out early following the shortfall of Prasad but the vote count favoured the sitting Fiji FA officials seeking re-election along with Kumar and Reddy.
Newly elected Fiji FA President in his address stated that he was ready to take the national football body to greater heights.
“I would like to thank the almighty for getting me elected tonight as the new Fiji FA President, the affiliates who have had the confidence which saw our whole group elected.”
“Fiji FA has got a change today and that change is that Rajesh Patel has become the new President. With the team I have got and capable advisors I will be asking people to give their input.
“Fiji FA will see a new dawn and we will succeed in the future where the soccer loving public will appreciate what we have done. After our term if we do not perform you the delegates have a right to take us out,” Patel said.
President
Rajesh Patel (43 Votes) Shailendra Prasad (10 Votes);
Southern Vice President
Yogeshwar Singh (46 Votes); Arvin Datt (8 Votes)
Western Vice President (2)
Jiten Kumar (38 Votes); Tarunesh Reddy (44 Votes); Navneeda Goundar (7 Votes); Raymond Singh (6 Votes); Umesh Prasad (0 Votes)
Northern Vice President
Shiek Ibrahim (49 Votes); Ami Chand Koli (5 Votes)
Fiji FA MEDIA
Patel appointed new Fiji FA President
