ONLINE speculation surrounding Labasa FC midfielder Melvin Mani’s suspension has suggested the player is barred from all football competitions after failing to report to the Fiji side competing in the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup.
Mani was suspended by the Fiji Football Association after he failed to report to the national team camp, ruling him out of the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup.
However, Fiji Football Association CEO Mohammed Yusuf clarified to The Fiji Times that Mani remains suspended from the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, while his availability for this year’s FMF Inter-District Championship (IDC) will depend on the outcome of his case before the Fiji FA board.
Yusuf said any further sanction against Mani would be considered by the board after the midfielder provides an explanation for his failure to report to camp.
Under the Fiji FA Player Transfers and Registration Regulations, selected players are required to report to national team camp.
“Any player selected must report to the camp,” Yusuf said.
He said players who are medically unfit are assessed by the national team’s medical team before being released to return home and rehabilitate.
Yusuf said Mani did not report to camp and was subsequently stood down from the tournament.
“He has to face the board and if the board gives his decision, then he can go to the next stage,” he said.
Yusuf said the regulation was not new and was known by districts and clubs, with the same rules applying across the competition.
“Our rule is very, very clear on player transfer and registration regulations,” he said.
He said the requirement applies to all selected players and forms part of the regulations governing their participation in Fiji football competitions.
Mani remains suspended for the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, while his participation in the IDC is yet to be determined.
His case will go before the Fiji FA board, where his explanation will be considered before any further disciplinary action is decided.
The board’s decision will determine whether Mani is available for the IDC and how long the suspension may run.
Meanwhile, the FMF IDC kicks start next Tuesday.
