BULA FC acting chief commercial officer Nazia Ali Krishna has been urged by football fans to maintain neutrality in her interactions with supporters, amid growing concern over her engagement in online fan forums.
Ali Krishna has been actively participating in the Ba Football Fans Viber Group, an informal platform largely made up of Ba football supporters and stakeholders.
Her engagement has included discussions around the team’s playing kit and pricing, as well as rebutting claims that the merchandise is a knock-off or closely resembles that of the Fijian Drua.
While her involvement has largely focused on commercial and promotional matters, her recent response to a news report stating that Mount Eden Park appeared sparsely attended during Bula FC’s match against Vanuatu FC on Saturday has drawn criticism from some supporters.
Several fans have questioned whether such engagement is necessary and whether it compromises the expectation of neutrality associated with her role as a senior club official.
One long-time football supporter also questioned why Ali Krishna was providing updates and engaging primarily within a single fan group.
“Nazia is very active on the Ba Football Viber group. Why is she interacting about Bula FC on one group instead of communicating with all football fans equally?” the supporter asked.
Football fan Jayesh Kumar said he was curious to know who was benefiting from sales of the newly launched R21 merchandise.
He also raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest, noting that Ali Krishna is the Fiji Football Association vice-president West while being directly involved in matters related to the club.
“Roy is a star footballer in the team and his wife, Nazia Ali Krishna, is FFA executive and acting chief commercial officer,” said Kumar. “Some power of positions.”
Meanwhile a number of football fans have taken to social media seeking clarification on the ownership of Fiji’s first professional football team.
“Let’s know who owns Bula FC, FFA, an individual[s], group, organization, institution or a silent owner, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the ownership, but clarity cuts through confusion,” one post read.
“Let’s not leave the obvious unanswered.”
Sportsone was forwarded a message shared in the Ba Football Fans Viber Group, attributed to Ali Krishna, which stated:
“I joined this group because I am, and will always be, a Ba fan. However, it has become clear that my affiliation with Bula FC is unintentionally shifting the focus away from what truly matters here, which is Ba Football.
“While it was never my intention to redirect discussions toward Bula FC, when I am asked questions or put on the spot, I will respond openly.
“I don’t hide, and that is why I responded to the questions raised.
“It is also concerning that fake news accounts are now quoting things I have said in this group. For clarity, any further questions relating to Bula FC should be directed through the proper and official channels.
“This group should remain focused solely on Ba FC. For that reason, I have decided to leave this Viber group so it can return to its original purpose.
“Thank you all for your time. Ba will always be in my heart.”
