The Fiji Sports Council board will meet today following serious allegations circulating on social media that the organisation’s cash reserves plummeted from more than $2million in March 2023 to just $32,000 by February 2024.
Board member and Fiji National Sports Commission executive chairman Peter Mazey confirmed the meeting but could not comment further.
Leaked documents shared online claim the financial crisis stemmed from a mid-2023 “human resources restructure” that allegedly doubled payroll costs without board approval.
Casual staff expenses reportedly rose from $480,000 for the first 10 months of 2022 to nearly $1.1million over the same period in 2023.
By January 30, 2024, the board recorded losses exceeding $1million in five months due to salary increases.
The documents further allege some board members initially refused to sign cheques in December 2023, citing management’s failure to follow directives to curb payroll spending.
They reportedly relented after intervention from Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru.
Additional claims include a $20million letter of intent signed in 2023 with a New Zealand company to construct three artificial turf grounds without board consent.
Concerns raised by Investment Fiji about the company’s financial standing reportedly led to legal advice confirming the contract was invalid.
The documents also allege unauthorised capital works at Veivadravadra and vehicle purchases without tender.
Allegations have been made against former FSC chair and current CEO Gilbert Vakalabure, who has yet to respond.
Attempts to reach Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Mr Saukuru were unsuccessful.
