CONFLICTING directives from the Fiji Sports Council (FSC) have left local journalists in limbo – and facing unprecedented access hurdles at a state-funded sporting venue, even as the Council’s leadership comes under independent investigation.
Despite public assurances from FSC chief executive Gilbert Vakalalabure that no media ban exists, reporters from multiple newsrooms say they have been turned away by security or issued makeshift and substandard credentials to access facilities such as the HFC Bank Stadium.
The Fijian Media Association (FMA) has raised concerns that the apparent restrictions risk undermining transparency at a time when the Council faces allegations of financial mismanagement and questionable travel sponsorships.
While Mr Vakalalabure maintains that journalists simply need proper accreditation, the Council’s administrative preparedness has come into question.
Over the past week, reporters were allegedly instructed to use expired 2025 media passes because updated credentials were not ready.
Just yesterday, in one instance described as “bizarre” by a senior journalist, security personnel reportedly instructed reporters from competing media houses to share a single temporary pass and return it after each individual use — a marked departure from last year’s practice of issuing annual permanent passes.
The logistical inconsistencies appear to contradict the FSC board’s stated position. Sources familiar with board procedures say a total media ban would require a unanimous vote — a step that has not been publicly disclosed.
The confusion comes as the FSC board appoints an independent investigator to examine the CEO’s conduct, following directives from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Concerns have also been raised about the quality and professionalism of the current media passes, which several journalists say fall well below acceptable standards for a national sporting body.
