The Fiji Football Association says a Roylux Realty Ba FC player did not breach the Laws of the Game or FIFA regulations after a viral video showed him spreading something on the field before the BiC Fiji FACT 2026 final at Subrail Park in Labasa.
Fiji FA Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Yusuf says the association reviewed the incident following widespread discussion on social media.
Yusuf says the player was performing a pre-match ritual, and after reviewing the matter, Fiji FA confirmed that no IFAB Law of the Game or FIFA regulation had been breached.
He says there is no rule that specifically prohibits a player from carrying out a personal ritual of this nature before a match.
Yusuf says footballers around the world have different personal routines before taking the field, including praying, making the sign of the cross, touching the ground before kickoff or observing other personal customs.
He says it is also common for teams to gather at the centre of the field or in the changing room to pray before a match.
The CEO says these are personal expressions of faith and tradition and are allowed as long as they do not affect the safety of participants, damage the field of play, interfere with the competition or bring the game into disrepute.
Yusuf is urging football fans to avoid speculation and rely on verified information when discussing matters relating to the sport.
He says social media can often lead to misinformation, and in this case there has been no breach of the Laws of the Game or FIFA regulations.
Yusuf has reaffirmed Fiji FA's commitment to ensuring all competitions are conducted in accordance with the IFAB Laws of the Game and FIFA regulations while respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs and personal practices of players.
The clarification follows public debate after footage of the Ba player performing the pre-match ritual was widely shared online following the BiC Fiji FACT 2026 final.
