The Fiji Football Association says some soccer players have let the nation down and as a result the Vodafone Fiji Soccer Team will only have 21 players in Samoa for the Pacific Games instead of 23.
Although some people are questioning the harsh penalties against top player Kolinio Sivoki who has been suspended for five years and fined $20,000 and Ilimotama Jese who has been suspended for three years and fined $10,000 for failing to turn up for camp, the Fiji FA says they cannot entertain these in-disciplined players.
CEO, Mohammed Yusuf says Sivoki broke camp just two days before the Fiji Soccer Team left for the Rio Olympics and received a lighter sentence and continued playing.
He says Sivoki was part of the final list given to FASANOC for this year’s Pacific Games and he decided not to turn up for the last camp.
Yusuf says this was the second time that Sivoki let the nation down.
He says Ilimotama Jese has a similar story and is not a first offender.
Yusuf has also clarified the players that have been suspended can appeal the verdict within 14 days after the judgement is passed but if they do not appeal and the suspensions and fines come into effect, the players can ask for parole after three years.
Meanwhile, Ba midfielder Junior Narendra Rao has been suspended for the season and fined $3,000 for not turning up for camp as well.
Suva’s Kelvin Naidu and Nadi’s William Valentine broke camp on the 22nd of this month.
