Fiji Football Association President, Rajesh Patel has thanked the play­ers, officials and fans who turned up fully compliant at different venues when the Digicel Premier League (DPL) resumed last weekend.

“I would like to thank the players, officials, fans, Fiji FA employees and stakeholders for complying to the COVID-19 protocols,” Patel said.

“This assisted to the smooth return to play last weekend,” he said.

“We can proudly say that football was the first sport to be played at competitive level.

“We started well with Digicel Futsal League Southern Zone, Digicel Lami Regional Beach Soccer and Digicel Premier League last week­end.

“It all began with full respect to strict COV­ID-19 measures and we at Fiji Football Associ­ation show our support in fighting this deadly virus. We were the first sporting body in the country to introduce No Jab, No Play policy.”

Patel said although there were some hiccups the DPL competition went well.

“There were fans that were denied entry at the gates for not following the protocols.

“Another exciting round of DPL will contin­ue this weekend with resumption of Digicel Women’s Super League.

“We kindly remind everyone coming to watch the games to please follow the proto­cols.

“You will not be allowed inside the premises if you are not full vaccinated, you will have to provide your photo ID with vaccination card if you are fully vaccinated.