Opposition MP Joseph Nand has called on the Government to provide at least $1 million in direct budget support to Bula FC, arguing that the professional football franchise has the potential to transform youth development and generate significant economic returns for Fiji.
Speaking in Parliament last Thursday during the debate on the End of Week Statements, Nand said Government assistance should continue until the club becomes fully self-sustaining.
“Most importantly, Government should provide a direct budget support in the next budget to a tune of about one million dollars till such time that Bula FC is fully professional with its own finances,” he said.
Nand argued that the foundations for success were already in place, pointing to existing infrastructure, international partnerships and global exposure through FIFA Plus.
“The infrastructure is ready, the global broadcast pipeline via FIFA Plus is active, and our international partners have put tens of millions of dollars on the table,” he said.
“The state is not being asked to carry this franchise on its own. We are being asked to unlock the private sector through targeted tax incentives.”
The Opposition MP described Bula FC as a vehicle for developing young footballers through a professional sporting environment.
According to Nand, the franchise provides full-time employment for a squad of 23 to 25 local players and a dedicated technical team, creating opportunities that previously did not exist in Fiji football.
“This professional environment completely changes how we develop our youth,” he said.
“Our players undergo daily elite training volumes, mandatory sports science conditioning and tailored nutrition structures.”
He added that advanced match analysis and video technology were helping players adopt international standards.
“The implementation of advanced match day data and continuous video analytics replace raw instinct with international game discipline.”
Nand said support for Bula FC should be viewed as an investment rather than an expense.
“We must view the state backing for Bula FC through the lens of strict economic returns. This is an economic engine built on a proven franchise model,” he said.
Drawing comparisons with the success of the Fijian Drua, Nand said a professional football franchise could unite the nation in a similar way.
“We have watched them grow and grow, capturing the imagination of our people. Today, they play in front of massive, vibrant, sell-out crowds at international stadiums.”
“This is the exact same unity we now have for football.”
Nand said football’s popularity across Fiji made Bula FC an ideal platform to develop local talent while strengthening national pride and support for the sport at the highest regional level.
