Vidhya Lakhan says Fiji will snub the Rugby World Cup if sanctions are not lifted
The Olympic head of Fiji, Vidhya Lakhan, has threatened the possible withdrawal of his country from the forthcoming Rugby World Cup, in case New Zealand does not lift the travel sanctions on Fiji’s players.
The threat of the president of the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee, Vidhya Lakhan, has come at a very crucial time. Fiji has officially broadcast the news that the country does not having the appropriate funds to send their team
to New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup.
Fiji Rugby Union is not in good terms with New Zealand since the military coup over the civilian government in 2006. New Zealand was not happy with the military take-over and ultimately, the Kiwi government put travel sanctions on any personnel linked with
Fiji’s military. New Zealand had made the ban conditional and said that if the military restores democracy in Fiji then the sanctions would be lifted.
Vidhya Lakhan also asserted that the International Rugby Board should intervene in the issue and sought out a reasonable solution. He also suggested that the IRB shift Fiji’s RWC matches to some other venues, in case New Zealand does not lift the sanctions.
He said that, "If New Zealand does not allow the best Fiji selection to take part in the RWC, then IRB should reschedule Fiji's matches in another country that will allow the best Fijian selection to take part in the Rugby World Cup."
He further said that, "And if IRB is not willing to do that, then Fiji should consider boycotting the RWC. That is our position."
Lakhan blamed the World Cup hosts, New Zealand, of limiting Fiji from selecting their best possible team, due to the sanctions imposed on them. Several staff members connected with the team and some players have military connections and would fall under
the ban.
In case the Fiji team is not granted permission to compete in the World Cup, it would be sad news for the sport. All fans of rugby would be eager to see all teams participate in the biggest event in the game.
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