Fiji Sports Council chief executive officer Gilbert Vakalalabure has dismissed claims circulating on social media regarding the funding of the council’s grassroots 7s rugby tournaments.
Speaking exclusively to this newspaper, Vakalalabure clarified that the tournaments were not financed through the council’s internal accounts but were fully supported through sponsorship he personally sourced.
He was responding to allegations that expenses for the grassroots 7s competitions were taken from the FSC account without approval from the board.
Vakalalabure strongly refuted the claims, saying all funding used for the tournaments came from external sponsors.
“Because they are all sponsored,” he said.
“I requested my personal request. It was my personal request. I look around for the money. All the money that is used, I look around for it.”
He said he personally approached individuals and organisations to support the initiative.
“I approach people to give us money. But I’m answerable to the amount of money I used,” he added.
Vakalalabure maintained that every grassroots 7s tournament organised under his watch had sponsorship backing and did not rely on the council’s operational funds.
He also addressed concerns regarding the New Zealand tour, which had similarly drawn public scrutiny online.
According to Vakalalabure, the overseas tour was also funded through sponsorship and not through FSC finances.
The clarification comes amid growing public discussion on social media about financial accountability and transparency in the administration of grassroots sports programs.
Vakalalabure said he remained accountable for funds raised and used through sponsorship arrangements and stressed that the initiatives were aimed at developing rugby at community level.
The Fiji Sports Council continues to support grassroots sports development nationwide through partnerships and sponsorship-driven programmes.
