The Fiji Football Association will continue its random drug tests during the Punjas Battle of the Giants tournament which starts at Churchill Park in Lautoka tomorrow.
In 2017 the parent body introduced a testing program for recreational drugs like cannabis which is commonly known as marijuana in a bid to keep the sport clean.
Initially there was no fine in 2017 for the repeat offenders as they were given 30 days to retest.
The following year a three-month ban and a $200 fine was imposed on the first offender with the districts and clubs also fined $200.
A three-year ban and $500 fine was imposed for repeat offenders.
By 2019 the fine for repeat offenders was increased to $1000 along with the three year ban.
In 2020 the Fiji FA also introduced testing for other drugs like Crystal methamphetamine commonly known as ice.
In its fight against drugs in sports, Fiji FA created a pathway for first time offenders into rehabilitation with its educational programs to become drug free ambassadors.
Fiji FA chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf said their policy was three tests for each team in every match.
He said this may be revised at the tournament since the costs of the tests had increased because of the global economic situation.
“The number will be a bit less but we will surely continue the testing,” Yusuf said.
“We will target players all of a sudden and the tests will be done unannounced.”
“This year we have not done a major crackdown but have done random tests with the resources we had.
“There were some targeted players and they tested negative so that is a very good sign.”
Meanwhile, the ticket prices for the 2022 tournament are $15 for adults and $7 for children under-12 for the grandstand.
For pavilion B, the ticket price is $12 for adults while for children under-12 is $5.
For the embankment. $8 for adults and children under-12 is $3.
