The Fiji Women's Crisis Centre (FWCC) is calling on the Nadi and Rewa Football Clubs and the Fiji Football Association to temporarily stand down the two players currently facing serious charges of rape and sexual assault until the completion of their court proceedings.
FWCC Coordinator Shamima Ali says they are making it clear that this call is not based on any determination of guilt or innocence.
Ali says the criminal matters remain before the courts, and all accused persons are entitled to due process and a fair hearing under the law.
She says however, sporting organisations have a responsibility that goes beyond the outcome of criminal proceedings.
Ali says they have a duty to uphold the integrity of the sport and demonstrate a commitment to the safety and dignity of women and girls.
The FWCC Coordinator says around the world, sporting organisations have adopted such approaches through internal policies when athletes face serious allegations of violence against women and girls.
She says just this week, we saw the Australian rules football club, the Sydney Swans, temporarily stand down five players after allegations of sexual assault and misconduct surfaced against them.
Ali says these players have been temporarily stood down for the remainder of the season while independent investigations take place.
She says these measures do not prejudge court outcomes, rather, they reflect the principle that sporting organisations must uphold standards that are consistent with community expectations and safeguarding responsibilities.
FWCC believes that allowing players facing serious rape and sexual assault charges to continue representing their clubs sends the wrong message to survivors of rape and to the wider community.
They say Fiji continues to grapple with high rates of violence against women and children, and sporting bodies must demonstrate leadership.
Ali says football clubs and governing organisations should adopt clear policies requiring the temporary stand-down of players facing serious charges of sexual violence until their cases have been resolved by the courts.
She says survivors of rape and violence deserve to know that their experiences are taken seriously and that the institutions shaping public life in Fiji are prepared to place safeguarding at the centre of their decision-making.
The Coordinator says for many survivors, seeing individuals facing serious rape and sexual assault charges continue to be celebrated can be deeply distressing and retraumatising.
She says increasing the participation of women and girls in football is a priority across the region and nationally, with strong backing from FIFA and the Oceania Football Confederation.
Ali adds we need to create spaces where women and girls feel safe, supported, and empowered to participate and being visible in our actions.
