Thomas Dunn, In Trouble With The Fiji Football Association

Fiji Football Association (FFA) may take disciplinary action against former Navua mid-fielder, Thomas Dunn, for aban­doning the national squad without notifying them.

Last year, midfielder Dunn, 19, was part of the Fiji national foot­ball squad preparing for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Qatar.

During that period, Dunn se­cured a student visa to study in Melbourne, Australia, with the ar­rangement of the Frankston Pine FC.

He was the local find of the sea­son and was on the Qatar Possible list.

A close source disclosed that Dunn, instead of honoring his contract with Frankston, played so­cial football in Melbourne.

FFA chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf said they would not condone such behavior.

Frankston Pine is an affiliated member of the Football Victoria Men’s State League Division 3 South East competition.

Dunn had played for Frankston early this year before forfeiting his contract to play social football.

“At the moment, we can’t take any action because he is under Austral­ian football since he had applied for his international transfer and signed his contract with the club,” Yusuf said.

“Thomas is alleged to have left for Australia without informing us; he was part of the national team’s fi­nal camp.

“He didn’t apply for any leave or seek approval from Fiji FA before he flew to Melbourne."

“Sad thing is that he went over to Victoria and played in a social tour­nament (Bazzar)."

"Now his football career is wasted with the decisions he made."

“He is now back in the country, and he can’t play for Navua or any level of football, because he is still under the Australian football."

“I want to warn football players to stop engaging in such arrange­ment."

"They should follow the prop­er channel."

“He can’t play in Fiji because we will have to check all the issues, and only then we will make a deci­sion.”

According to Victorian Multicul­tural Sports Association president, Victor Kumar, all players’ dealings must be made through Fiji FA.

“A lot of players have been mis­led coming to this kind of tourna­ment,” Kumar said.

“They should come through Fiji FA, only then, things can be defi­nite like where they’re going, who is going to look after them; it’s not easy."

“Dunn is the future of Fijian football. I alerted Fiji FA for these players not to come and play social games."

“We want our players to come over here and play good football under proper and safe competitions.”

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