Three football players have been suspended after testing positive for marijuana during a drug screening exercise conducted at the BiC Fiji FACT tournament at Subrail Park in Labasa.
The testing, carried out over two days, involved 48 players and forms part of the Fiji Football Association’s ongoing efforts to maintain clean sport and uphold the integrity of its competitions.
Fiji FA Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Yusuf said the association remains committed to ensuring football is free from prohibited substances.
“The Fiji Football Association has a zero-tolerance approach towards prohibited substances in football. These testing exercises are an important part of ensuring fair play, safeguarding player welfare, and maintaining public confidence in our competitions,” Yusuf said.
The three players who returned positive results for marijuana will appear before the Fiji FA Disciplinary Committee for review of their cases. They have been suspended from all football-related activities pending a final decision.
Yusuf said disciplinary procedures would be conducted in accordance with Fiji FA regulations.
“All players are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct. Any breach of our anti-doping regulations will be dealt with through the appropriate disciplinary channels,” he said.
Fiji FA has also informed the district associations of the suspended players that any outstanding disciplinary fines must be settled before their teams are allowed to participate in upcoming matches. Competition organisers have been directed to issue invoices to the affected teams.
Meanwhile, Fiji FA’s Medical Commission reported that two additional players tested positive for alcohol.
As a result, all eight teams participating in the tournament have been instructed to submit written declarations by 3pm on Sunday identifying any players currently taking prescribed medication that could influence testing results.
Yusuf said the association was providing teams an opportunity to clarify any legitimate medical circumstances before further action is considered.
“We encourage all teams to cooperate fully with the process and provide the necessary information within the stipulated timeframe. Transparency is essential to ensuring fair outcomes for everyone involved,” he said.
Failure to provide the required information could result in further suspensions, subject to a final ruling by the Board of Control.
Yusuf reiterated that maintaining the integrity of the game remains a key priority for Fiji FA.
“Keeping football clean is a shared responsibility. Fiji FA will continue to work closely with our medical partners, districts, players and officials to promote professionalism, accountability and the highest standards throughout our competitions,” he said.
The testing programme is part of Fiji FA’s broader strategy aimed at strengthening player welfare, protecting competition integrity and maintaining public confidence in domestic football competitions nationwide.
