There is a delay in the naming of the 18-member national men’s football team to next month’s Rio Olympic Games.

The naming of the team was supposed to be done yesterday but national team director Tarunesh Reddy said they need to finalise it with FASANOC before it is released to the media.

“It is a criteria set-up by FASANOC which previously had the names of 50 players in camp and as Team Fiji we need their approval to endorse the names given,” he said.

Reddy said the idea was to avoid players from having any trouble during departure or transit.

He said this was done to make sure all players had no problems with immigration to avoid any hindrance in their travel to Brazil via transits through New Zealand and Argentina.

National football coach Frank Farina said the players have been really professional.

“We started with over 50 names and then we came down to 26 last week and now are down to final 18. You know everyone’s been working really hard and commitment has been good,” he said.

“Everyone here is worthy of their spot and if they get an opportunity I expect them to do well and perform to their best.”

Farina said they just needed to be organised in order to take on these top teams.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: arishmad@fijisun.com.fj