Former affiliates can join

THERE are provisions in the Fiji Football Association statute to allow former affiliates to register with the parent body.

In the past there were football associations in Levuka, Nalawa and Vatukoula, however, these associations have been defunct for a while.

Ironically Levuka was one of the first towns where football was played.

According to history whilst marking the golden jubilee celebrations of Fiji’s cession to Great Britain, the first Fijian Inter District Tournament was played at Nasau Park in Levuka in 1924. The teams played for the Ricarnie Cup which was won by Sawani from Naitasiri.

Vatukoula had reached the final of the IDC senior division in the past.

Fiji FA competitions manager Amitesh Pal said the old teams have to come through their regulations.

“There are procedures in place to get the former affiliated teams back under the Fiji FA banner,” Pal said.

“They were former members and there are special provisions in our statute through which they can come back.”

A total of 12 senior division associations are affiliated with the Fiji FA this year.

Pal also clarified the selection pathway for the senior division teams for the Courts Inter District Championship since there were only eight slots.

“For the senior division IDC this year, there are five teams from Viti Levu and three teams from Vanua Levu,” he said.

“Teams qualify on merit from the Vodafone Senior League. The ratio is basically decided on the ranking of the teams. The senior division competition before was divided into the Western, Southern and Northern zones. But now it is only the Viti Levu and Vanua Levu competitions.”