The Fiji Football Association (FFA) wishes to inform its members, stakeholders, and the public that Mr. Aiyaz Mohammed Musa Umarji has formally withdrawn his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which had challenged his disqualification under Article 46(6) of the FFA Statutes.
With this withdrawal, the matter is now officially closed, and CAS will issue an award on costs in due
course.
FFA maintains that Mr. Umarji’s conviction for the importation of pseudoephedrine—a substance strictly monitored under global anti-doping frameworks—cannot be regarded as a private or unrelated matter.
The offence directly conflicts with the integrity standards required of football officials.
FFA Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Yusuf said the Association stands firm in its position.
“Offenses of this nature fundamentally undermine the integrity standards required of football officials,”
Yusuf said. “Such conduct cannot and will not be tolerated. Article 46(6) exists to protect the credibility of football administration, and all members and delegates are expected to uphold it.”
In line with the FFA Code of Ethics, Fiji Football will now review all conduct and statements associated with this matter. Any breaches identified will be referred to the FFA Ethics Committee for further action.
The Association emphasises that these steps are crucial for maintaining transparency, accountability, and trust in football governance.
Fiji Football acknowledges the disruption and reputational challenges that have arisen. The organisation remains committed to its core responsibilities, which include:
Upholding the Statutes that safeguard the integrity of football administration;
Preserving public trust, institutional credibility, and transparency;
Ensuring that all leaders and office holders meet the highest ethical standards.
With the appeal withdrawn, Fiji Football confirms that the challenge to the FFA Governance Committee’s decision of 27 May 2025 has lapsed.
The provisional CAS order that had allowed Mr. Umarji to contest the May 2025 elections has also expired.
FFA further confirms that Mr. Umarji was never declared elected, and the Association will now proceed with the appropriate steps in accordance with its Statutes.
