Fiji Football against election of leader with criminal conviction
Photo:
AFP
The Fiji Football Association (FA) says it does not condone anyone with criminal convictions being part of their leadership set-up.
Chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf said in a media statement on Saturday that the controversial election of Aiyaz Mohammed Musa Umarji as vice-president west, during the Fiji FA Congress on 30 May in Suva, was not according to their laws.
He said article 46(6) of the Fiji FA statutes prohibits individuals previously found guilty of a criminal offence from holding executive office.
But according to the Football Association statement, Umarji is challenging this in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
He was sentenced in August 2023 to four years in prison but his jail time was reduced by six months after an appeal. He was released last October and deported home.
He argues his guilty plea, conviction and three-year and six-month imprisonment in New Zealand - on three counts of importing Class B controlled drugs - cannot have an impact on his eligibility because the offence is not football related.
The Fiji FA is opposing this "because there is no such a limitation in the FijiFA prohibition".
Umarji was initially disqualified from candidacy by Fiji FA's governance committee under article 46(6), but the Court of Arbitration for Sport issued a provisional order permitting him to contest the election.
The CAS president said the decision to grant the requested relief "does not amount to a legitimisation or trivialisation of the importance of maintaining the highest ethical and integrity standards".
"The present decision should not be seen as an act of leniency towards any potentially criminal conduct that may be incompatible with [those] standards."
The Fiji FA has decided that the new vice president will not be declared elected, has not assumed office and his eligibility remains under review by CAS.
But it also acknowledges that a majority of members at the Congress voted for Umarji for the vice-president west position.
"We respectfully urge the public and the media to await the final decision of the CAS Panel, which will comprehensively resolve the matter of eligibility."
Aiyaz Umarji directed a request for comment to his lawyer, who has not responded to
RNZ Pacific'
s questions.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
4 hours ago
- RNZ News
Fiji-born lifter Varun Lal sets sights on World Powerlifting Championship
Fiji-born powerlifter Varun Lal is focused on making a mark at the upcoming 2025 WPC World Powerlifting Championship in South Africa in November. Photo: Supplied Fiji-born powerlifter Varun Lal is focused on making a mark at the 2025 WPC World Powerlifting Championship in South Africa in November. Having had a taste of what to expect at the world meet when he debut for Australia in Chicago last year, the 27-year-old told RNZ Pacific that he is excited about competing against the best in the world in Durban. The backing of his family in Ba has kept him on the road, sticking to the sport and unveiling new challenges along the way. He only started serious powerlifting when he moved from Fiji to Australia to pursue a degree in civil engineering. However, he has taken to the sport like a professional and made the Australian team last year. He has continued to improve and on 1 August set a new Australian record in bench press, in the Single Ply 125kg category and became the new Open Champion. His results at the Capo National Champions in Brisbane reads: squat (200kg), bench (145kg) and deadlift (240kg). "Proud to become the new and set a National Bench Press Record with 145kg," he said after wining the category and setting the new record. "This one means a lot. Months of discipline, sacrifice, and pure love for the sport. Big thanks to my coach Jack Welch, my team, and everyone who's been in my corner. "We're just getting started." That done, his focus has now shifted to the world champs. "We'll be starting off from next week," he said. "We have almost two or three months time to prepare for world champs, so it will be a challenge because I'm looking into breaking some world records. "I know it will take some dedication, time and also have to fix up my technique." Lal said coach Welch has helped him a lot and says he is lucky to have Welch in his corner. Fiji-born powerlifter Varun Lal is focused on making a mark at the upcoming 2025 WPC World Powerlifting Championship in South Africa in November. Photo: Supplied "He is one of my brothers, and also became a coach and he has been helping me from day one," Lal said of his coach. "Today I'm proud to say that I became a powerlifter because of him, the way he has guided me, and he has been guiding me throughout this journey. "Our focus is to make some more national records and keep focusing and try to win gold for Australia this year." Lal said he started with "just lifting light weights" but trained hard and learned the techniques. "I think most of the islanders are just lifting heavy and I think putting numbers is not the main thing," he said. "Powerlifting is something that takes your patience as you try to learn. I know everyone is competing for their weight, but sometimes, if you focus on your techniques, you'll go much faster than what you are expecting, when just doing heavy lifting." Lal graduated from the Australia School of Engineering earlier this year and channelled his energy into the sport he has come to love. With his family back in Fiji and no family member with him in Brisbane, he said powerlifting was the way to go to keep him focused and challenged. He said when he left Fiji he had no proper powerlifting knowledge, except for what he was able to do back in Ba to help him keep fit. "I started powerlifting when I moved to Australia, because I never knew much about powerlifting, although I did little bit of it in Fiji," he revealed. "When I moved to Australia, the standard of power lifting was different. I started early in 2023. "In 2024 I made my debut in the nationals where I was selected to be part of Australia team to go to Chicago and compete." He finished third overall in deadlift at the World Championship. This year he decided to try out equipped powerlifting, where lifters wear a squat suit, knee wraps, a bench shirt, and a deadlift suit. He broke the record in the 125kg category and looks set to continue his impressive performance going into the world champs. Fiji-born powerlifter Varun Lal is focused on making a mark at the upcoming 2025 WPC World Powerlifting Championship in South Africa in November. Photo: Supplied Lal said Ba is a well-known football district in Fiji. So when his family heard him tell them he was into powerlifting they were initially uninterested. His dad Vimlesh Kumar and mum Saorjni Devi were at the very least interested when Lal started telling them stories of his new sport. But over time they have come to be his biggest fans, especially with their son wearing the green and gold of Australia in the world stages. "Basically, my whole family is back in Fiji as I was the only one that came to Australia," he said. "And powerlifting was something that they they never knew. As one born into the Fiji Indian community, basically we play soccer and that's all we do in Fiji as because I've grown up in the Fiji Indian community. "But when I came to Australia, it gave me an opportunity to study, and even give me a time to go and train and excel in your sport." La's dad had an accident last year, which called for the powerlifter to visit home. It was then that his dad told him to return to Australia, prepare for the world champs and get on with representing his adopted home. "He was seriously sick," Lal said of his dad. "But he told me to go and represent Australia. That's the only thing he wanted to see. "So, I had to leave him on his bed, and then I went to the world champs. I know he is proud that I did something for him, and this year, it's more special because he started working now, and he has been encouraging me to do more and be the best and win him something." Lal said he is strengthened each day knowing that his family are with him in prayers and thoughts. "It's a struggle to not have family around. But I think sometimes we just do it for our family," he said. "Their prayers are with us and that guide us through." Lal said he wants to also be an example for young Pasifika people that anyone can succeed if they put their time, focus and dedication into what they are doing. The 2025 WPC World Powerlifting Championship in South Africa will run from November 4-9
RNZ News
5 hours ago
- RNZ News
Football: Aussie goal-machine joins Auckand FC in A-League return
Auckland FC's Lachlan Brook Photo: Supplied Auckland FC have signed Australian winger Lachlan Brook for the upcoming A-League season with hopes he will find the back of the net regularly. Brook, who has played more than 100 professional games, arrives from Major League Soccer team Real Salt Lake. The 24-year-old has previously played in England in League 2 and the A-League with Adelaide United and Western Sydney Wanderers. "There is so much hype and noise for this team and what they have achieved - on and off the pitch," Brook said. "I have heard so much about the fans and the numbers that turn out to support us. I can't wait to get out there and show them what I am all about. To say I'm raring to go would be an understatement." Born in Gawler, South Australia, Brook came through the youth and NPL system at Adelaide United, making his senior debut in the 2017/18 season. Brook went on to make 29 appearances for the club and played a part in Adelaide's emphatic 4-0 victory in the 2019 FFA Cup (now Australia Cup) Final. He was later awarded Adelaide United Youth Player of the Year for his performances that season. In 2020, Brook signed a three-year deal with English Championship club Brentford before being loaned to Crew Alexandra. Then in League 2, he played 34 times for the Chesire club in 22/23 season. The following season saw a return to the A-League with Western Sydney Wanderers - scoring nine goals in 23 appearances. Auckland FC Head Coach Steve Corica says he is hoping for more of the same. "He's versatile, has an eye for goal and knows the league," Corica said. "He achieved some great things at Adelaide and Western Sydney Wanderers, and with more than 100 games here and abroad, he's a proven professional. It is no secret we needed to boost our attack this season, so we're looking forward to having him at Auckland." On the international stage, Brook has represented Australia at both U18 and U23 levels.
RNZ News
a day ago
- RNZ News
Soccer: Tonga keeps semifinal hopes alive after comeback win, NZ sweeps aside Solomons
Tonga's Sophie Hale on attack against American Samoa during their OFC U16 Women's Championship game at the Samoa Football HQ in Apia on Tuesday, 5 August 2025. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Tonga came from behind to secure a 2-1 win over American Samoa in their second Pool B match at the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) 2025 Under-16 Women's Championship in Apia on Tuesday. It was 'Emeline Sau who scored the winner, with five minutes remanning in normal game time, slotting in the ball after collecting a rebound off the crossbar, much to the dismay of the American Samoan players. In the process Tonga have kept their hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive, with a decider on the line against Solomon Islands, who lost to New Zealand yesterday afternoon. American Samoa are on the brink of elimination after two straight defeats. The Friendly Islanders from Nuku'alofa had lost to New Zealand 4-0 on Saturday, but bounced back in style to win their second game. Meanwhile, New Zealand have also booked a spot in the semi-finals, following their 5-0 romp over the Solomon Islands. This means the defending champions join Samoa, who had already qualified after Monday's demolition of Fiji. Tongan goalscorer and Player of the Match, India-may Mann said it was a tough game but one that she and the players were happy to have won. "I thought it was a great game," the United States of America-based player said. "It was pretty hard because American Samoa is a good team and today wasn't their day. But good luck to them in their next game." Mann, who levelled terms with her goal late in the first half after American Samoa had led 1-0, said their focus now shifts to the Solomon islands, who they must beat if they want to be in the final four. "Look forward to playing them," she stated. "It's going to be another tough game as well." The nippy forward dedicated her goal and the award she received to her parents and family. American Samoa's Ita Maglo said they let the game slip away from them. "I thiought we had the game, I felt like it was our game," she said. "I kmow it's not over we have to improve for the next game. "To all our supporters back home thank you for the support, I know it was not the result you wanted." American Samoa started the game well and enjoyed possession and territory early. But Tonga managed to get some counter-attacking going also and almost scored through Polini Ta'ofi in the 14th minute when she fired a left footed straight at American Samoa keeper Leila Salausa. That woke the American Samoans back into action and six minutes later 14 year-old Diamond Joung, broke the Tongan last line and sent the ball past Tongan goalkeeper Temaleti Taufaao and into the back of the net. Tonga, who has been in the top four previously, returned the favour almost instantly. Captain Sophiana Moala broke through down the right flank in the 30th minute before sending her attempt in, saved by Salausa, followed by Mann, whose effort was also saved by an alert Salausa in goal for the American Samoans. Howerver, Mann was on the spot in injury time whe she sent in a chip kick over Salausa to level terms just before half-time. In the second spell, Tonga missed a golden opportunity to go up on the scoreboard when Moala sent the ball from the penalty spot away past the posts in the 65th minute. OFC media said that was after Salausa had brought down Angel Mailangi in the box. They finally managed to get the winner through Sau, who pounced on the ball when it rebounded off the crossbar from a long Moala free-kick attempt. Sau controlled the ball, tapped it past Salausa and slotted it into the net for the winner. Tonga 2 (India-may Mann 45+2' 'Emeline Sau 85') American Samoa 1 (Diamond Joung 20') Defending champions New Zealand contimue their dominance in Pool B with a big 5-0 win over Solomon Islands. OFC media said New Zealand dominated early proceedings, though a 14th-minute penalty from Aleesha Tara Gray was denied by Solomon Islands substitute goalkeeper Maria Selestina. Selestina was called into action early after starting keeper Fiona Goroani left the field injured in the 5th minute. New Zealand's Bonnie Rice opened the scoring in the 37th minute, rising high to head in from a well-placed corner. Mia Humphrey pounced on a deflection to make it 2-0 at the break. The second half continued in the same vein, with Amelia Hitchcock adding a third in the 56th minute, capitalising on a spilled high ball. Lania Fini then broke down the left in the 74th, delivering a powerful cross-shot that evaded Selestina for New Zealand's fourth. Charlotte Summers rounded off the scoring in the 83rd minute with a composed far-post header to complete a polished performance. New Zealand 5 (Bonnie Rice 37' Mia Humphrey 45+2' Amelia Hitchcock 56' Lania Fini 74' Charlotte Summer 83') Solomon Islands 0
