FIJI’S football governing body is being urged to cap player transfers in an effort to restore competitiveness and raise the overall standard of the game.
Critics argue the current transfer system has failed to strike a balance between financially stable districts and those operating under severe financial constraints, widening the gap between the haves and the have-nots.
The issue has divided opinion nationwide, with strong views held by administrators, supporters and former footballer alike.
A growing number of stakeholders believe districts should be restricted to buying, selling or trading no more than two players per transfer window.
With Ba openly declaring its ambition to fill its trophy cabinet with silverware, it comes as little surprise where marquee players are likely to end up.
Under the leadership of Parneel Dayal, Ba has drawn criticism for prioritising championships over competitive balance, further fuelling concerns about the concentration of talent within a handful of well-resourced districts.
Financially struggling districts such as Nadi, Tavua, Nadroga and Suva are increasingly being left behind, unable to compete in negotiations for high-profile players.
Even traditional heavyweights like Lautoka and Labasa may struggle to assemble formidable squads unless they are prepared to “play the money card.”
Rewa, which recently lost the bulk of its squad to Bula FC , Fiji’s first professional football club now faces a major rebuilding challenge.
Without significant investment, the Tigers risk fielding an uncompetitive side.
Once a dominant force in local football, Rewa now appear “toothless,” with preparations for the new season falling short of expectations.
For districts such as Nadi, Tavua, Nadroga and Labasa, the only viable option may be to pursue lesser-known players or imports simply to field competitive teams against powerhouses like Ba.
Former national footballer Naveen Kumar believes the Fiji Football Association (FFA) should not blindly mirror FIFA’s open transfer policies.
“Football isn’t a professional sport in Fiji, yet there’s this notion that everything must be done along FIFA lines,” Kumar said.
“Fiji simply can’t afford an open transfer window. There have to be limitations.
“A district should only be allowed two incoming and two outgoing transfers per window. Anything more leaves other districts struggling to put together a competitive team.”
Kumar said financial distress remains the biggest obstacle for most districts.
“Districts are suffocating financially, and that affects their buying power. We need to remember that most districts survive through fundraisers, sponsors and handouts, they beg and borrow to survive,” he said.
“We’re in the 21st century, yet football is still being kept alive through barbeques, raffles and liquor sales just to cover shortfalls.”
According to Kumar, businesses and corporations have become increasingly sponsor-shy, finding football less attractive as an investment.
“Districts are operating at their own peril,” he said.
He added that Fiji football urgently needs a level playing field, something that, at present, remains far from reality.
