The Fiji Football Association is taking a hard stand on drug, tests for all the players at this year’s Digicel Fiji FA Cup Tournament (Fiji FACT) at Subrail Park in Labasa.
Fiji FA Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Yusuf said they had invested more than six thousand dollars to do the test to ensure we have a clean tournament.
“We want clean, fair, and good sportsmanship to prevail at the tournament. And if you have any form of drugs in your system, I suggest you do yourself a favor and avoid putting the institution in an embarrassing situation, and step aside.
“Take off your jersey and allow someone more deserving to represent your side.
“Let’s do things right, and it begins with being honest with ourselves.”
‘’We are aware some districts have been doing their own tests and dropping players who are found positive,” said Yusuf
Yusuf outlined strict protocols for players regarding mandatory drug testing.
Upon receiving lab results, a positive test will trigger a check against their database to ascertain if the player is a first-time offender.
Initial offenses will result in suspension and a fine of $500 for both the player and the association.
Additionally, the player must appear before the disciplinary committee to confirm the suspension.
Yusuf emphasizes that second or third-time offenses would incur more severe penalties.
Players or associations refusing testing will be deemed positive, thereby facing stringent punishments.
