Why 10? Patel explains change
New Digicel Fiji FACT format where it will be played over three weekends
The Digicel Fiji FACT 2022 will be played under a different format where all the 10 teams will be participating.
It will also be played in three weekends starting with the pool rounds at the ANZ Stadium, Suva, on May 22.
The teams have been divided into two groups with top performers being the top seeds for each group.
Group A sees: Nadi, Lautoka, Rewa, Navua along with Labasa while Group B has Ba, Nadroga, Suva, Tailevu/Naitasiri and Nasinu.
When asked why the change of playing 10 teams instead of eight as they had decided earlier, Fiji Football Association president Rajesh Patel said, they have accommodated all teams in the tournament since the Digicel Premier League has also increased the number of teams participating from eight to 10 this year.
“We first decided to have eight teams,” Patel said.
“When the board met we saw the Digicel Premier League is only halfway
through and because of COVID-19 and the national team were away in Qatar, the competition was not finalised up until then.
“That’s the reason we decided to get all the 10 teams and they can play competitively.
“It’s not injustice to any team that has not played. Lautoka has played the least games,” Patel added.
All teams, he says, will be getting the travel grants and necessities leading up to the competition.
The winner of the tournament will receive $17,000, runners-up collect $5,000 while losing semifinalists will be awarded $2000 each.
The first round of pool games will be held at the ANZ Stadium on May 22 before heading to Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, on May 26-29. The semifinals and final will be played at Lawaqa Park on June 4-5.