FSC board to appoint independent investigator today

The independent investigator that will look into new allegations of the Fiji Sports Council will be decided by the board today.

Deputy board chairman Peter Mazey told SUNSports yesterday the board met to review the applications and finalise the terms of reference of the investigation.

“Two companies have given their offers to do the investigation – one is an Australian company and the other is a Fijian company.

“We’re making sure that everything in the investigation, covers any issue raised by the media or even social media, but mainly the media,” Mazey said.

The terms of reference of the investigation would also be released when it is finalised.

Asked if the board is going to suspend FSC chief executive officer Gilbert Vakalalabure, Mazey said: “We haven’t considered that yet. That will be decided tomorrow (today) or when we have the next board meeting.

The new allegations include claims that FSC accounts were depleted during Vakalalabure’s chairmanship in 2023. A significant reduction was observed in three FSC ac-counts — from $2 million to $32,000 by Febru-ary 2024.

This was among several complaints filed by a whistleblower with FICAC in March 2025 including the alleged abuse of contra deals between Fiji Airways and FSC.

Vakalalabure was initially investigated by FICAC but was cleared by Acting FICAC Commissioner Lavi Rokoika. She is married to Tevita Tangaroa, Vakalalabure’s brother and lawyer.

PM on Saukuru

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said Minis-ter for Sports Jese Saukuru should consider stepping aside as independent investigations into the Fiji Sports Council saga continue.

“I am hoping that he will take it a step fur-ther and take a leave.”

Rabuka said taking temporary leave would be “the better option for all of us.”

He pointed to precedent within his cabinet, referencing Pio Tikoduadua, who voluntar-ily stepped aside during an earlier investiga-tion into immigration.

“He voluntarily stood down,” Mr Rabuka said, suggesting similar action would dem-onstrate political maturity and protect the integrity of the process.

He added that he has advised Saukuru not to interfere in the investigation.

New media passes rule

FSC manager operations Litia Senibulu clarified that media passes would be issued for event-specific access and must be returned at the conclusion of coverage.

Senibulu did not clarify the need for the new practice which was not done over the years since the establishment of the government-funded body.

“This is standard practice across venues and events. Additionally, media passes are allocated based on the number of representatives attending. Therefore, if only one media representative is present, only one pass will be issued,” Senibulu said.

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj