Fiji Rugby Union welcomes the decision of IRB to be allowed in Rugby World Cup
Fiji Rugby Union has welcomed the decision of International Rugby Board granting the permission to Fiji to participate in the coming Rugby World Cup.
Fiji was feared to be excluded from the world showpiece as it had some issues with IRB. IRB was unhappy with the military dictatorship’s interference in the board’s matters since 2006.
The issue took place between IRB and FRU back in 2006 when military took the charge of country and IRB was not happy with the role of military dictatorship. The military dictatorship impeded the board’s matter and Fiji Rugby Union found itself in to the
hot water after the news financial irregularities. Commerce Commission of Fiji investigated the issue and it revealed that union was making the money illegally and its lottery system was poor.
Followed by the reports of commission the government ordered to freeze the funds of FRU and conditioned the restoration of funds with the resignation of the board administration. Military dictatorship appointed the new body without bothering about the constitution
of the board. The constitution of the board suggests that no member could be removed or added without proper elections.
Fiji Rugby Union assured the IRB to held election to formalize proper body of the union following the IRB’s condition. Fiji Rugby Union Interim Chairman Rafaele Kasibulu welcomed the decision and described it as a great success of rugby and Fijian fans.
He said that there are only four months remaining in the world cup so Fiji has great opportunity to be prepared for the world showpiece.
Furthermore Fiji’s military government has given the signal of the restoration of democracy in the country by 2014. Earlier on New Zealand had enforced sanctions over the military leadership of the Fiji to travel to their country.
The foreign minister of New Zealand finds the situation extremely difficult for Fiji as for as their preparations for the world cup are concerned.
Murray McCully said, “The sad fact is members of their administration and military are on the banned list. Unless something happens to allow changes to occur on the sanctions front, those people aren't going to be able to come.”
Even though Fiji has not selected their team for the biggest event but they are still happy to participate in the RWC.
Tags: