FNRL report raises concerns over hidden debts, undocumented spending

There could be hidden or unpaid debts within the Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL), according to a report by Pherrus Financial Services tabled at the FNRL Annual General Meeting in Suva last Saturday.

The concerns relate to the period when FNRL was under the leadership of former executive chairman Akuila Masi.

The report stated that FNRL had failed to pay required tax deductions to the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) despite funds being available.

“Records show different amounts for the same payments,” the report stated.

“It is unclear how much has actually been paid. There may be hidden or unpaid debts.”

The report named former officials and staff including Akuila Masi, Senikau Matata, Epeli Tagivetaua and Elesi Ketedromo.

Bulikula travel payments questioned

The report also raised concerns over payments made to Stage and Screen Travels for Bulikula flights.

According to the report:

• Supplier invoice: AUD$94,667.85
• Invoice due date: November 17, 2025
• Payments recorded by FNRL: FJD$249,393.70
• Outstanding balance: AUD$18,195 (FJD$28,053.76)

The report stated payment records did not match the supplier’s invoice and outstanding amounts remained unpaid.

It said a contra deal with the National Rugby League (NRL) required the use of Stage and Screen Travels because Fiji Airways flights were fully booked due to delays involving the overseas-based coaching staff.

However, the report stated there were discrepancies in recorded figures and it remained unclear how much had actually been paid.

Canada tour spending under scrutiny

The report also questioned expenditure linked to the Bulikula trip to Canada, claiming a large portion of spending could not be verified because supporting documents such as receipts and invoices were missing.

Key details included:

• Fiji National Sports Commission grant received: $209,000
• Total trip expenditure: $535,354
• Shortfall: $144,784
• Amount lacking supporting documents: $258,754

The report stated financial reports submitted may not accurately reflect actual spending.

Former executive chairman Akuila Masi and Senikau Matata were identified in relation to the expenditure.

Vusu Raiders trip queried

Concerns were also raised over spending related to the Vusu Raiders’ Pacific Test trip to Papua New Guinea.

The report stated the team received a Fiji National Sports Commission grant of $32,000, while total trip costs reached $119,552.

Of that amount, $101,831 was supported by receipts and documents, while $17,721 could not be properly explained.

The report also claimed procurement procedures were breached because purchases exceeding $20,000 required quotations, a tender process and notification to the FNRL Board.

It stated those procedures were not followed.

The spending was reportedly approved by Akuila Masi and managed by Epeli Tagivetaua.

Vehicle rental concerns

The report also highlighted concerns involving Firefly Car Rentals, including unauthorised purchasing and poor documentation.

Issues raised included:

• Outstanding rental invoices of $3882.45
• Unapproved vehicle repair costs totalling $8000

Repairs relating to vehicle registration IY 288 included:

• $3500 on February 17, 2025
• $1500 on March 3, 2025
• $1500 on April 14, 2025
• $1500 on May 20, 2025

The report stated the damage occurred in 2024 involving former FNRL chief executive officer Don Natabe.

It also alleged procurement rules were not followed, including failure to obtain three quotations and issue a Local Purchase Order before engaging suppliers.

The report said vehicle rentals were authorised by Elesi Ketedromo, but details were not communicated to the FNRL Board, including the purpose of rentals, duration of use and who used the vehicles.

The matter has now been referred to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).