FOOTBALL fans attending the 2026 Extra Battle of the Giants tournament at 4R Stadium, Govind Park in Ba, will have to leave their drums and vuvuzelas outside the stadium.
Fiji Football Association chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf said the decision was made to ensure a comfortable environment for all spectators, particularly senior citizens.
“Vuvuzelas are a nuisance, especially for the senior citizens while they’re sitting on the ground. They can’t bear that noise, that’s the reason we have banned it,” Yusuf said.
He said fans were still encouraged to create an exciting atmosphere by cheering, singing and supporting their respective teams.
“Welcome to cheer for the teams, support, and of course sing and all that, but we’re not allowing vuvuzelas.
“And also those drums will not be allowed in the stadium. We will allocate a special place in front of the stadium for them, so they’re away from the public.”
Yusuf said Fiji Football had also stepped-up preparations to provide fans with an improved match-day experience during the tournament.
“The ground has all been branded with Extra Supermarket. The LED is going across the perimeter fence,” he said.
“There will be a giant screen for replays and other important messages will go on the screen. The whole atmosphere and the whole ground has been revamped to create a very lively football experience for everybody.”
Yusuf also confirmed that drug testing would continue throughout the tournament as part of Fiji Football’s normal protocol.
“Yes, that’s part of our normal protocol for tournaments. We’ll continue. We strongly believe in that, and we want to make sure that these are done with a strong deterrent for footballers to keep away from drugs.”
The Extra Battle of the Giants kicks off at 4R Stadium today, with the tournament expected to draw thousands of football fans to Ba.
