The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) is planning to telecast live local football matches on local television.
Fiji FA chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf said negotiations between its financial committee and the two local television companies were ongoing.
“We have started negotiations,” Yusuf said.
“Fiji FA is having fruitful discussions with the television networks in Fiji. The intention is to bring live local football matches for football fans in the country so that they can watch at home.
“It is an alternative option for spectators since the proposed resumption of football competitions will be without fans for the time being.
“The plan is to host matches in a safe manner to ensure all stakeholders involved and present at a particular venue are fully vaccinated.”
He said the idea would materialise after the endorsement of relevant authorities.
“Once we obtain the approvals for a safe return to football, it will give us a month to prepare before the soccer ball starts rolling. We will work towards live coverage of football matches on television.
“Talks are ongoing between Fiji Broadcasting Commission and Fiji Television. We will see how best we can cater for that particular arrangement.
“There is a cost attached since districts won’t be paying for the stadium hire plus we will be footing their respective traveling bills, so we will have to step in and seek out means to recover the costs.”
Yusuf said their sponsors were supportive of the initiative.
“We want to kick-off on October 1 at selected venues without spectators so that we have a firm control on all the protective COVID-19 measures in place.
“Our sponsors have been receptive to the idea of planned television coverage, however, it entirely depends on Government’s approval to proceed with the back to football stance adopted by Fiji FA.
“We are keeping our fingers crossed.”
Yusuf said the focus to resume football competitions would be limited to the Digicel Premier League, Digicel Women’s Super League and Digicel Senior League for both the men’s and women’s competitions.
