Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says any allegations of misuse of funds involving rugby players ought to be addressed at the Fiji Rugby Union’s AGM and reported for investigation.
He made the comments when asked what he thought of — as a former national rugby 15s rep — the live interview hosted by Facebook influencer, Lesi Vanuavou, where senior players Lepani Botia, Semi Radradra and Waisea Nayacalevu made claims of unpaid contracts, unfulfilled promises and unpaid coaches and officials.
Nayacalevu demanded accountability from the FRU and called for sweeping changes at Rugby House.
“It is disturbing to hear from national rugby representatives,” Rabuka said.
“The players do not handle funds; the officials do.
“The use of funds is only revealed in the union’s financial accounts, which are audited by reputable auditors and presented to annual general meetings, and any anomalies should be scrutinised at the AGM and reported for proper investigation.”
Rabuka said the Government would not interfere in the latest claims of maladministration at the FRU.
“The Fiji Rugby Union made it clear at their last AGM that they do not want any government involvement in the affairs of rugby in Fiji,” Rabuka said.
“And I and my Government will respect that.”
The FRU was removed from the World Rugby Council last year following the election of the Coalition Government, who appointed an interim board to set up a new constitution.
World Rugby reinstated the FRU as a member of the governing body’s council last month after almost 15 months of suspension for “governance challenges”.
