Drug tests of players to be done during Digicel Fiji FACT

Drug tests will be conducted for all players participating in the Fiji FACT tournament that kicks off in Subrail Park in Labasa this Friday.

The Fiji Football Association says they are taking a hard stand on drug tests for all the players to ensure that we have a clean tournament.

More than $6,000 has been invested to do drug tests. Fiji FA Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Yusuf says they want clean, fair, and good sportsmanship to prevail at the tournament, therefore, if anyone has any form of drugs in their system, he suggests the players should step aside and avoid putting the institution in an embarrassing situation or to take off their jersey and allow someone more deserving to represent their side.

He says we must do things right, and it begins with being honest with ourselves. Yusuf further says they are aware some districts have been doing their own tests and dropping players who are found positive.

The CEO says when lab results are received, a positive test will trigger a check against their database to ascertain if the player is a first-time offender.

He says initial offences will result in suspension and a fine of $500 for both the player and the association, and the player must appear before the disciplinary committee to confirm the suspension.

Yusuf emphasizes that second or third-time offences would incur more severe penalties.

The CEO also says that players or associations refusing drug tests will be deemed positive and will face stringent punishments.

Meanwhile, the Fiji FACT tournament kick off this Friday and will see Nadi facing Nadroga at 12.30pm, Rewa taking on Navua at 2.30pm, Lautoka playing Ba at 4.30pm, and Labasa taking on Nasinu at 7pm.