The Fiji Football Association has reiterated that all affiliated members, districts, and regional clubs must strictly follow the established governance and disciplinary processes outlined in its statutes and constitution, warning that the use of social media to address football-related disputes will attract disciplinary action.
Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel issued the warning during his address at the Fiji FA Council Meeting held yesterday at the association’s headquarters in Vatuwaqa, Suva.
President Patel cautioned officials and members to exercise responsibility when engaging on social media platforms, stressing that football matters must be handled through proper internal channels.
“Be careful how you operate on social media platforms. Anyone found contributing to football-related disputes on social media will be subject to disciplinary action. All we ask is that members follow the processes outlined in our statutes,” Patel said.
He added that the Fiji FA Council Meeting allowed for open and transparent dialogue with district officials, where questions and concerns were addressed directly.
“We were open and answered questions raised by district officials, even in situations involving misinformation. We did not shy away from the discussion. What we want everyone to understand is that social media should not be treated as the ultimate source of truth,” he said.
Patel also highlighted the association’s firm stance on protecting the integrity of football, noting that Fiji FA currently has an ongoing defamation-related case involving a former minister.
“When anyone is defamed, the organisation has a responsibility to protect its integrity and ensure that football remains clean,” he added.
Fiji FA Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Yusuf reinforced the President’s remarks, urging districts and officials to respect the governance framework set out in the organisation’s constitution.
“If there are any issues, districts should not turn to social media to resolve them. They must follow the proper processes provided within the constitution,” Yusuf said.
He emphasized that disciplinary action would be taken against officials who attempt to resolve disputes publicly online.
“We will be coming down hard on this. Any official who raises complaints or attempts to resolve disputes through social media will be taken to task,” he said.
Yusuf further stated that Fiji FA statutes provide sufficient mechanisms for addressing grievances and disputes.
“There are ample provisions within our statutes for disputes to be resolved fairly and professionally. Members need to use these processes,” he added.
