Fiji’s two-time Sangam World Cup captain and coach Naveen Kumar has expressed disappointment with US Sangam for including Fiji-based players in its squad for the upcoming Sangam World Cup in Fiji.
The US-based former footballer, who represented Fiji in 1999 and 2002 and later coached the winning Lautoka team in 2014, said the national body’s decision goes against the spirit of fair play and equal opportunity.
Kumar said he has been reliably informed that only seven US-based players are included in the squad, while the rest are from Uciwai Sangam, a village team from the outskirts of Nadi, Fiji.
“With such a strong pool of talented players here in the US, it’s disappointing to see Uciwai Sangam players representing the US,” Kumar said.
“US Sangam has failed to uphold the values of fair practice.”
He said the move could discourage US-based players who have worked hard to earn national selection through local competitions.
Kumar added that while other nations are building their squads around home-based talent, the US has taken a completely different approach.
He also questioned the rationale behind the selection process, saying he raised his concerns directly with the US TIV Sangam leadership.
“I sent an email to the executives after learning that the national body would be picking players from Fiji,” he said.
“I am still waiting for a response. We need an explanation. We have elected people in power who are answerable to their members and to the country. They must uphold their office to the highest standard.”
Kumar, who captained Fiji to the 2002 Sangam World Cup title in New Zealand, said the current situation undermines the integrity and development of the sport in the United States.
