All sporting federations are urged to budget whatever funds that are given to them.

This was the message from Fiji National Sports Commission (FNSC) executive chairman Peter Mazey.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Mazey said funding is a major problem for most sporting federations due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, he said, the commission has taken up necessary actions and this includes pay cuts for all our international coaches.

Our current international coaches include Fiji Airways Fijian 7s head coach Gareth Baber, Vodafone Fijian Bati rugby league coach Brandon Costin and Vodafone national football coach Flemming Serritslev.

“Due to a shortage of funds for sports, all federations must carefully plan and budget accordingly,” Mazey said.

“All our International coaches have taken a reduction to assist in supporting recovery efforts.”

COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS

The coronavirus pandemic has caused the cancellation and postponement of all sporting events since March when the country’s first virus case was confirmed.

The Sports Commission has allocated funds to all the federations that have followed all the requirements.

“Funding received in the last Government budget was distributed to all national sporting federations who applied and had complied with funding requirements.

“In this fiscal year, we have not stopped funding however for those events that was cancelled the federations no longer required the funding,” he added.

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS

Mazey has advised all sporting bodies to adhere to Government instructions, while we are faced with this global crisis.

“All federations must practice good governance and accountability.

“Funding is obviously going to be short as sponsors and international federations reduce the funds they can provide.

“Governments everywhere will be putting their funding into the most important areas being health and reviving economies and supporting businesses re-establish themselves.”

Major sporting events for 2021 are the Mini Pacific Games in Saipan, Tokyo Olympic Games, Women’s Rugby World Cup and the Netball World Youth Cup.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj