Fiji bids to host FOOTBALL BODY REFLECTS ON CHALLENGING YEAR
FIJI Football Association chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf said 2020 was one of the most trying seasons in the history of the sport in Fiji.
He made the comment while reviewing Fiji FA’s performance amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic this year.
“We started with four months of non-contact games because of COVID-19.
“We were able to end the year strongly,” Yusuf said.
“Though we took a massive hit financially through sponsorship, we were able to ensure that prizemonies were not affected and winning and competing teams got their money’s worth.
“We had to dig deep into our reserves, but we are grateful to Government and our stakeholders for holding firm and are looking forward to a brighter 2021.”
Yusuf said Fiji FA was looking to start the new year running.
It will bid to host the Oceania Football Confederation qualifiers towards the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar in Fiji next year.
Yusuf said they had set plans for another big year.
“First on the agenda is to host the Oceania Football Confederation World Cup qualifier and we want to host it here at home.”
With COVID-19 changing the aspects of sports globally, Yusuf said they would meet the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Sports officials when the new year begins.
“We are optimistic of a positive result.
“With the teams from the Oceania to fly in, we have to work out a sports bubble and the security and welfare of players and teams.”
The qualifiers are expected to be held between July and September next year.
The Fiji FA also wished a prosperous new year to all football lovers and the people of Fiji.