The Fiji Netball Association will negotiate to have more international matches for the Fijian Pearls when the borders reopen, says RubyAnn Sorovaki said.

The association’s president made the comment after the International Netball Federation (INF) cancelled the Netball World Youth Cup scheduled to be held in Suva, Fiji on December 2-11.

“We know our main stakeholder, our players, as well as the larger netball family and supporters will be disappointed,” she said.

“We remain focused on the opportunity now to look inwards and provide a platform for our athletes and supporters to have that competitive netball experience here in Fiji until such time we are able to travel to play as well as host either regional or international events.

“Netball Fiji will look to seek out further opportunities for international matches when the time is right.”

Netball Fiji supports INF’s vision to host an event here in Fiji in the future.

The Government spent close to $17 million to renovate and improve the arena into a indoor multifunction facilities.

The new properties combined size stood at 1,478 square meters which adds to the existing 2,042 square meters of the Arena.

The upgrades inside the Vodafone Arena itself features new permanent seating for 2,350 spectators, new retractable bleachers which will cater for another 834 people, new wooden flooring, bigger screens, and an energy efficient lighting system.

In consultation with the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, the Minister for Youth and Sports Praveen Kumar Bala said: “While we are disappointed with the decision, we appreciate that it was made in the best interest of all stakeholders. The Fijian Government looks forward to working with INF in the future to host an international event, in an environment that safeguards the health of all people involved.”

INF president, Liz Nicholl CBE, said: “We thank the organising committee for their considerable efforts thus far in planning for the event and for the ongoing support of the Fijian Government.”