The Fiji Football Association does not expect to increase its budget for the Digicel Junior Bula Boys following FIFA’s withdrawal of Indonesia as the venue for the Under-20 World Cup which starts in May.
Following yesterday’s meeting between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Football Association of Indonesia president Erick Thohir, FIFA decided, because of the current circumstances, to remove Indonesia as the host of the event.
Fiji FA has a budget of close to $1million for the national U20 team.
Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel said there should not be any added expenses for the team because they were not sure where the new venue would be.
“We will wait for FIFA to announce where the tournament will be and will then work accordingly,” Patel said.
“We are fortunate enough not to have book our accommodation in Indonesia and for the travel as well.
“This is because the draws had not been don’t so we were unaware where we would be based at.
“Had we paid for the accommodation then that money would have gone to waste.”
The Fiji U20 side participated in a series against New Zealand, Guatemala and Indonesia last month and lost all its matches.
This month, the Fiji U20 was part of the Tri Nations FIFA International Friendlies featuring the senior teams from the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji.
Patel said the Junior Bula Boys will travel to teh Gold Coast in Australia for further preparation.
“Despite what is going on, we are going ahead with our preparation plans with the team going to teh Gold Coast,” he said.
“A high level training camp has been set up there with a couple of warm up matches also being lined up.”
