Rewa FC calls for action after chaos at 2025 Extra BOG final

Rewa Football Club is calling for immediate action to protect the integrity of football and ensure the safety of players and officials after chaotic scenes marred the 2025 Extra Battle of the Giants final against Labasa at Subrail Park, however, the Fiji Football Association says that they will not take any further action on the matter.

Fiji FA CEO Mohammad Yusuf says that everything was done in accordance with the rules.

He says that the reserve player received a yellow card, and disruptive fans were moved to different sections of the venue.

When asked about allegations that water bottles were thrown at the Rewa players, Yusuf says this is absolutely nonsense.

He adds that the Association will not respond to the ongoing social media exchanges between the two clubs.

After the BOG final, Rewa Football Club took to social media with a strong statement on their official Facebook page, describing the day as “a dark day for football” and claiming that their players, officials, and even the club president were subjected to threats, verbal abuse, and physical intimidation.

The club alleged that bottles were thrown at their team and offensive language was used by a section of Labasa supporters, creating an unsafe environment — all in full view of police and security.

Rewa FC says this is not passion, this is not rivalry, and this is not football, urging football authorities to take firm action to prevent such incidents from recurring.

Rewa also thanked its players and fans who remained composed despite the hostile atmosphere.

The match was stopped twice due to tension between reserve players and fans.

The first incident occurred in the 42nd minute of the first half, when the referee stopped the game for two minutes.

After Rewa scored the equalizer, their reserve players celebrated loudly, shouting and splashing water, which spilled onto Labasa fans and sparked tensions between the two sides.

The second disruption occurred in the 37th minute of the second half, shortly after Labasa scored their second goal, and Labasa fans sitting beside the Rewa players began celebrating and passing comments to the Rewa reserve players.

This time, play was halted for five minutes.

Rewa reserve player Delon Shankar was also shown a yellow card, and both the police and Fiji Football Association CEO Mohammad Yusuf had to personally intervene to help restore order.

Despite these disturbances, the match eventually resumed and concluded with Labasa claiming the title, winning a tournament at their home ground for the first time in 26 years.

Labasa FC dismissed Rewa’s complaints and urged their rivals to show maturity, respect, and sportsmanship.

The club says that while losses happen in football, “dignity lasts forever,” and emphasized the need to be gracious in defeat and humble in victory.

Rewa responded with a second statement, expressing disappointment for Labasa’s reaction.

The club clarified that its concern was not about the match result, but about the treatment of its team and the lack of intervention from security officials.

They reiterated the importance of respect and safety in the sport and again called for accountability and action.