Fiji FA boss clarifies insurance policy

Fiji Football Association president Rajesh Patel has clarified the in-house player insurance policy, urging all players, officials and parents to fully understand the coverage and comply with required procedures when injuries occur.

Speaking during the Fiji FA Council meeting in Suva, Patel said the insurance fund is built through a 10per cent allocation from every tournament, which continues to grow and is used to cover injuries sustained by players who hold a valid Fiji FA player license card.

He reiterated that the policy only applies to injuries that are registered in the Fiji FA system and treated through government hospitals.

“Our policy is very clear,” Patel told Fiji FA Media.

“All treatment at government hospitals is fully covered, but treatment at private hospitals is not covered under our insurance, except in very exceptional circumstances.”

He raised concern over recent cases where parents had taken injured players to private medical facilities and later submitted bills for reimbursement, which fall outside the scope of the policy.

Patel highlighted one case involving  a youth player from the North, who participated in the McDonald’s All-Stars programme. He said the player arrived fit, trained and played without any reported injury.

“When the player returned home, the parents took him to Labasa Hospital, where several X-rays showed no football-related injury,” Patel said.

“The family later went to a private hospital, where a hip dislodgement was detected, with surgery estimated at around $140,000.” Patel said medical reports indicated the condition was not the result of an injury sustained during football activities.

Fiji FA has advised the family to proceed with treatment at a government hospital, where the costs would be covered under the association’s insurance policy.

He emphasised the importance of immediate injury reporting, noting that an official injury form must be completed and signed by a government hospital doctor, detailing the injury, treatment required and expected costs.

“If this process is followed, we will cover all medical costs for treat well ment and recovery,” Patel said.

“Officials must ensure this is done as soon as an injury occurs.”

He also cited a rare exception during the 2024 Inter-District Championship, where a futsal player suffered a serious leg fracture and required emergency surgery at a private hospital after government facilities were unavailable.

In that instance, the insurance covered the costs due to the urgency of the situation.

Patel urged council members to clearly communicate the policy to all licence holders to avoid misunderstandings and delays in treatment.

“This policy is there to protect our players but it must be followed correctly for it to work.”

TRANSFER WINDOW

Meanwhile, the Labasa football team has lost two more key players.

This was after the Fiji FA confirmed that striker Jimson Abana has got his release to join Nadi while reliable defender Sitiveni Rakai is joining Rewa.

The Babasiga Lions have lost four key players in the Transfer Window. The other players are Rusiate Doidoi, and Ilisoni Lolaivalu who are joining Ba.

On a positive note for Labasa is the return of striker Frances Catarogo after a stint with Ba.

Nadi has also secured the services of Solomon Island players of Abana along with Steven Koti and Jack Kokaki (from Nadroga FC).