Vakalalabure confirmed as Fiji Sports Council CEO

Gilbert Vakalalabure has been confirmed as chief executive officer (CEO) of Fiji Sports Council (FSC) after acting on the role for more than two years. The appointment was kept low key.

Close sources said the appointment was made in October, 2025.

Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru told SUNSports on Tuesday that it was solely the board’s decision.

The FSC board which was appointed by Saukuru includes Peter Mazey, Makarita Lenoa, Della Shaw Elder, Peniasi Sokia, Peceli Vosanibola and Semesa Karavaki.

Vakalalabure was first appointed chairman before acting on the CEO role since March 2023. He took over when former CEO Litiana Loabuka did not renew her contract.

“I only appoint the board and the board has decided that Vakalalabure should take over as CEO,” Saukuru said.

“I think they’ve done their due diligence. They’ve done all the interviews and it’s been given formally to him.”

He said that the decision was finalised this year, however, he was not aware of the timeline.

The role

Requirements of the CEO role which was advertised in March included a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA), sports management or a related field, more than 10 years of senior leadership experience preferably in sports management, public administration or a related field.

Key responsibilities include developing and implementing the council’s strategic vision and objectives, oversee the management of the council’s facilities, programmes and events and ensure sound financial management including budgeting, forecasting and resource allocation.  

Saukuru added that the ministry would continue to work closely with the FSC and the Fiji National Sports Commission on how it can lift sports standard in the country in future.

When asked last week about the appointment, board chairman Sokia was dismissive.

Sokia said: “This is a waste of time as we are answerable to the Minister of Youth & Sports and nobody else.”

He directed the question to chairman of human resources (HR) director Peceli Vosanibola and manager Angie Kainamoli.

Questions sent to the duo yesterday on the recruitment process was not answered.

Ongoing FICAC case

Meanwhile, Vakalalabure has complaints against him filed with the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) the case is currently under investigation.

On May 8, 2025 FICAC executed a search warrant at its premises and obtained documents as part of a preliminary investigation.

This was regarding the abuse of office relating to the alleged misuse of FSC and Fiji Airways contra deal. It is alleged Vakalalabure flew his spouse from New Zealand to Fiji on business class using the benefit.

It was also alleged that he authorised and accommodated the spouse of a Cabinet Minister on a business-class ticket.

When questioned yesterday on the progress of Vakalalabure’s case, FICAC acting commissioner Lavi Rokoika said: “I am unable to comment on that and in terms of delay as you would note from my briefing that the work of the Commission, is not based on how fast we go, how slow we go, but in terms of the evidence that is with us. That is the basis on which we proceed with files,” Rokoika said regarding the case.

“That's why some files are faster to take to court, while some are slower because of the evidence that's provided for them that we have.”

When asked if Vakalalabure’s case has been delayed because of their close relations, Rokoika again said she cannot comment on the current investigation.

“As I've said earlier on, we try and protect the Commission from any perception of biasness.”

Rokoika is married to Vakalalabure’s brother, Tevita.

“When there is some perceived biasness, the disclosure is done, recusal is done. We have mechanisms in place to set up the Commission because the person that's sitting in this office will have the same scrutiny from everybody else, if it's me or somebody else. But there are systems in place to set up the Commission.

“And that's disclosed, and then you recuse. The decision is given to somebody else. The person is excused from making decisions over there.

“I believe that that file may be a few, one or two years old, I'm not sure.”