SKIPPER CUP PREMIERSHIP
Suva prep for Sigatoka showdown
We have talked to the new national coach and those who have no desire to represent Fiji will not be allowed to play, it is simple. We can’t allow indiscipline players to hinder development and progress. We’ve been constantly reminding players to follow the rules like everybody else- Yusuf
Mohammed Yusuf warns football players must follow the rules and be responsible when the Vodafone Premier League resumes on July 11. And the Fiji Football Association chief executive officer hopes players would change for the better after the country is surviving tough times brought about by COVID-19 pandemic.
Yusuf fired the warning after former national reps William Valentine and Kelvin Naidu are set to resume playing in the Vodafone
Premier League next month. The duo, who played for Nadi and Suva respectively, misled the national team officials of their whereabouts on June 22 last year and were suspended and fined. Their suspension ended this month.
Yusuf said: “There will be no second chance as we’ve been constantly reminding players to follow the rules like everybody else. Fiji FA will not tolerate indiscipline on the field or in camp. “We have talked to the new national coach and those who have no desire to represent Fiji will not be allowed to play, it is simple. We can’t allow indiscipline players to hinder development and progress.”
Yusuf added that both associations made the arrangement of clearing of the $10, 000 fine imposed on the players.
“We are aware that Nadi Football Association is making arrangements and once we approve, players can play for the districts,” Yusuf said.
Midfielder Valentine is training with the Green Machine.
Nadi FA president Ashwan Singh said: “We need Valentine in the team. He has been training with us since last week and we should sort payment with Fiji FA soon.”
Suva Football Association president Ritesh Pratap said they would pay the fine.
“We are waiting for Naidu to return from Lautoka and we will sort things out,”Pratap said.
Ba plays Navua on July 11, Suva vs Ba on July 12 while Nadi travels to play Labasa at Subrail Park on July 18.