6 players caught
SIX players tested positive for drug use during 2019 Courts Inter District Championship (IDC) at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
Fiji FA competitions manager Amitesh Pal said the players were from both the premier and senior divisions.
He said despite many awareness programs some players were still using drugs in football.
“This is something Fiji FA will not tolerate as we are committed in making football free of drugs,” said Pal.
Two players from each team are randomly selected and tested after every game.
“Some players tried to beat us but they were caught after second test,” said Pal. He said Fiji FA would now come strong on players who were caught using drugs in football. “We have implemented some changes in our statutes where it is clearly stated that districts will have to pay $200 fine if their player is found positive,” Pal said.
“This will make the districts to do their own test and put the players clean. It is also cleared now that players caught for the first time will be suspended for three months not like before they were given 30 days for re-test.”