Players warned

Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) President Rajesh Patel has issued a stern warning to Bula FC players that they are obligated to represent the national team in international matches.

He made the comment during the Fiji FACT pool draws at their headquarters in Vatuwaqa in Suva on Saturday.

This followed after a few players from Bula FC were not willing to join the national team for the internal friendly match against Vanuatu.

“If they are not committed to the national teams and for the Bula FC only just want to take money then we will not consider them to be playing for any district or in future national teams,” Patel said.

“So the players who are crying or debating, you better make up your mind.”

Patel urged respective districts officials to discuss a solution with their players in the Bula FC.

He added that the pride of representing the nation for international matches should be prioritised by the Bula FC players.

“The whole reason for professional players is for them to lift their skills in a professional environment and come back to play for your country,” Patel said.

“If you don’t want to play for your country then what is the use, where is your pride. Is the money your pride only or is it the pride for the country.”

Patel stressed the need for the players to prioritise national pride over money in football.

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj