Fiji FA investigates possible match fixing at BOG

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Suva’s Waisake Navunigasau and Ba’s Saula Waqa contest for the ball during the final of the Inkk Mobile BOG at Churchill Park Lautoka. Picture. REINAL CHAND/FILE

AN investigation committee has been formed by the Fiji Football Association to look into a possible match fixing matter at the recent Inkk Mobile Battle of the Giants tournament.

Fiji FA Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Yusuf has confirmed that the Tavua side will be investigated on possible match fixing allegations.

“We have formed a committee to do the investigations. The committee will meet players and officials of Lautoka and try and gather information and evidences on possible match fixing. The report will then be given to the Board of Control who will assess it and then hand it to the Ethics Committee to decide what is appropriate.” he said.

It is understood that the Lautoka Football Association made the allegations after Labasa thumped Tavua 5-nil on Day Three of the BOG.

The 5-nil drubbing meant Labasa secured a spot in the last four leaving Lautoka to win at least by four clear goals against Ba later that day to qualify.

Lautoka bowed out of the tournament with six points despite defeating Ba 2-nil, as Ba and Labasa also had six points each and a better goal average than Lautoka.

Mr Yusuf added that they will go deeper into these matters such as match fixing as it is important to keep football clean in all aspects.

Tavua Team President Pranesh Prakash, said he is aware of this allegations and the investigation.

“I was told by Fiji Football Association officials at the finals of the BOG last weekend. Well we as officials try our best to mould a team but it’s the players who do the job on the field. We have let go of our coach Saroj Kumar and trying to get our former coach Anand Sami back.” said Prakash.

Prakash added that Kumar with some Tavua players were drinking grog in camp at around 7am on the day the team played Labasa.

” The players were disheartened after two losses and plus the goals were scored after the changes made by the coach. We can’t say much as the teams in the Premier division are tough as well. We lost 4-nil to Ba and 5-nil to Labasa.” He added.

Ba went on to beat Suva 2-nil in extra-time of the final of the BOG.

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