THE Malolo Rugby Club has raised serious discrepancies regarding gate takings from the 2025 Skipper Cup competition through a Facebook post, calling for transparency and accountability from the Fiji Sports Council (FSC) and Fiji Rugby Union (FRU).
According to FSC, the Skipper Cup final drew around 11,000 spectators, with tickets priced at $20 each, suggesting an expected revenue of approximately $220,000.
However, only $59,000 plus was reported, with no detailed breakdown of ticket sales or deductions, sparking serious concerns.
Finalists Malolo and Naitasiri were also entitled to a fair share of the gate takings, which should have been around $20,000 or more each, claims Malolo.
Instead, reported figures do not add up.
Notably, the Naitasiri men’s team had $1383.78 deducted from their $4,612.60 share, funds redirected to their Naitasiri U20 team, raising further questions.
The post also highlighted unprofessional money handling inside ticket booths, as shown in a photo taken by an official from Vatukoula.
According to Malolo, key questions remaining are:
1. How could the semi-finals, with 9000 plus attendees, raise only $56,000 plus in the Skipper semi-finals, while the final with a sold out 11,000 spectators present only raised $59,878.77?
2. Why were the FRU staff allowances deducted directly from match-day revenue, forcing teams to incur FRU’s administrative costs?
The Malolo Rugby team also stressed that players deserve fairness and professionalism.
Their $20,000 prize money was cut to just over $16,000 due to fines related to compliance issues during their rebuilding phase.
Meal allowances were also drastically reduced, with the team receiving only $120 via mobile payment at the finals, from the initial $1000 promised by organisers.
Meanwhile, Fiji Rugby Union Chairman John Sanday said they will try to verify the facts of the allegations before they make a comment.
Questions sent to Fiji Sports Council chief executive officer Gilbert Vakalalabure remained unanswered when this issue went to press.
