Fiji FA Boss Reveals It All
"We are quite happy with the progress that they are making.
Saturday 05 April 2025 | 04:39
Lautoka Football Association president Shalendra Prasad points to the land in Lomolomo, Lautoka, where the new $55 million stadium would be built. Photo: Charles Chambers
There was hardly any structure in place when Rajesh Patel took over as the Fiji Football Association president.
In an interview with SUNsports, Patel talked about how they had to restructure the organisation and its programme.
"FIFA has seen what our programmes are, what we're doing, what our finance and governance transparency and the development are," Patel told SUNsports.
Related stories
He reiterated that Fiji FA needs to have all its foundation, development and structure in place before one could start thinking of the men's World Cup qualifications. Patel also highlighted that works will begin soon on the construction of a stadium, which is of international standard at Lomolomo.
The project cost is around $55 million and is funded by FIFA. When asked about criticisms leveled at Fiji FA over Fiji's failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, he said, critics are always there, whether they're doing good or bad.
"These critics don't realise the mammoth development that is happening in Fiji football," Patel added.
He has invited critics to visit them and see for themselves the development that is taking place.
Meanwhile, Minister of Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru said Fiji FA is one of the sporting organisations in the country that has performed well.
"We've been meeting with them quite regularly. We've seen improvements in how they're running their affairs and how they are developing football from the very grassroots," Saukuru said on Thursday night.
"We are quite happy with the progress that they are making.
"It's a really good to see they are performing well as it goes back to the development of football right from the very grassroots."
Feedback: charles.chambers@fijisun.com.fj
