The Fiji Football Association is planning a six-match tour to Spain for its Vodafone Fiji U-23 side next year to as part of preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel said the tour would cost the association around $2.2million but was necessary to prepare the side for the best possible performance in Rio.
“It is a costly affair but it will be a worthwhile excursion to ensure the team receives the best preparation possible for Fiji’s maiden appearance at the Games.
“This is something that we had pre-planned when we qualified,’ Patel said.
“If you look at the 2015 financial year-end which was presented during our annual congress; the districts were happy with it.
“We have got enough cash on hand to move forward with the planned campaign. It’s a figure of $1.3 million but as we have said, in order to go to Rio, it’s going to cost us $2.2 million and that is what we are looking at.” Patel added Fiji FA has lots of commitments in coming years which will have to be funded.
While the goal is to be as self-reliant as possible Patel is hopeful the Fiji Government, through the Fiji National Sports Commission, will be in a position to provide support.
The Olympians are also likely to play against Qatar U-23 in Turkey as part of the tour to Spain with discussions to confirm currently underway.