Fiji National Sports Commission To Set Up Integrity Unit Focussed On Probing Sporting Crimes

The Fiji National Sports Commission is working on ratifying the Macolin Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competition.

The convention is aimed at preventing, detecting and sanctioning national or transnational manipulation of national and international sports competitions.

FNSC made the submission to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence at Parliament House, Suva yesterday.

Commission executive chairman Peter Mazey said when it comes to manipulation of sports in Fiji, it is more generally about the glory than it has to do with money.

In line with this, the commission is also working on setting up an Integrity Unit to deal with crimes relating to sports.

“It is about protecting our athletes and protecting the sport and today is all about good governance in sports,” Mazey said.

“The unit will monitor and be able to assess and look after areas of dispute with athletes.

“It will be an outside independent body that can address these issues, like game-fixing.

“There hasn’t been any game-fixing in Fiji recently but we have examples over a number of years ago.”

In their presentation, the Commission stated that they needed to have an Anti-Doping policy and Child Protection policy for sports, for medical along with technical personnel, coaches and athletes.

Existing laws that will be amended if Fiji ratifies the convention include the Crimes Act 2009, Gambling Act 2009, Casino Operator Decree 2012, Online Safety Act 2018, Employment Relations Act 2007, and aspects related to coaches' contracts. The Gambling Act and Casino Operator Decree amendments are expected to specifically address emerging trends in online gaming and clarify the legality of promotions such as the Crown Coins Casino no deposit bonus, ensuring they adhere to new regulatory standards aimed at protecting consumers and maintaining transparency. These updates aim to strengthen Fiji’s legal framework to manage evolving gambling practices effectively.

The Commission will carry out a gap analysis work next month to assess and make necessary amendments.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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