Fiji Football Association competitions manager Amitesh Pal is excited that the 2021 Digicel Women’s Inter-District Championship has finally kicked off.
Pal said it was one of the most anticipated football competitions in the women’s category in the country.
“It’s the postponed tournament that was supposed to be held last year,” Pal said.
“The COVID-19 restrictions during that time caused the postponement and was rescheduled to early February this year. It was rescheduled again because of maritime restrictions in place, which wasn’t possible for the Labasa women’s team to participate.
“We’re pleased to see the tourney finally kicking off. The six best women’s football teams currently playing in the Women’s Super League competition are competing.”
He said Fiji FA provided grants to the travelling teams.
“The teams travelling to Sigatoka to take part in the event have been provided assistance for expenses incurred such as travelling costs, accommodation, meal allowances, playing uniforms, equipment and boots.
“As for the hosts, they qualified for all the assistance except for accommodation and transportation costs. The teams will have to provide all the acquittals to Fiji FA because of periodic audits by FIFA on all grants given by them for development of women’s football in the country.”
The women’s IDC was deferred because of restrictions authorised by the Ministry of Health related to maritime island-based teams non-participation in sporting competitions held outside of their zones during that time and Fiji FA had to cancel the event.
The women’s IDC was scheduled to be held from February 4-6.
The Women-In-Black representing Ba FC are the defending champion.
