FOR many, the Fiji FACT remains a tournament close to the heart.
It carries tradition, and loyal support from fans who continue to show up year after year.
But football continues to struggle on quality, and consistency.
Packed stadiums, high-intensity contests, and elite-level football remain rare.
Fiji has its own brand of football, and that is where the sport thrives.
Since the World Cup stage remains out of reach, fans embrace local football that is raw, and deeply connected to community identity.
This year’s Fiji FACT final was a classic contrast.
The “Men in Black,” Ba F.C., loaded with marquee players and high expectations, faced Navua F.C., a lower-budget side with far fewer resources.
From the outset, it looked like a straightforward win for Ba.
But football is never played on hope and hype but on strategy and determination.
Navua came with nothing to lose and everything to prove.
For 120 minutes, they matched Ba’s quality with discipline, and heart.
They held the opponents to a stalemate through regulation and extra time.
In the end, Ba prevailed 3-1 in the penalty shootout.
The victory ended Ba’s 16-year Fiji FACT drought and delivered their first major title at Subrail Park since the 1975 Inter District Championship.
It should have been a moment of pure celebration.
Instead, controversy overshadowed the victory.
Footage circulated on social media showing Ba player Suliano Tawanakoro walking toward one of the goal areas and sprinkling what appeared to be a white substance on the field.
The video quickly triggered speculation about black magic, sorcery, juju, or spiritual rituals being used to influence the match.
While such claims often spark debate, FIFA’s official framework is rooted in fair play, respect, and evidence-based disciplinary processes.
There is no specific rule addressing witchcraft or black magic because such practices cannot be scientifically proven.
Instead, allegations of this nature are treated under broader unsporting conduct and disciplinary regulations.
That means the Fiji Football Association isn’t likely to launch an investigation solely on claims of sorcery.
Still, the footage raises an important question.
Even if black magic itself cannot be proven, should acts perceived as psychological manipulation or unsporting conduct be addressed more seriously?
And if no action is taken, does that create a precedent where other teams feel justified in adopting similar tactics?
That in future teams can sprinkle, spread and or offer sacrifices of their choices in clear view of the fans.
That is where the real debate lies.
Ba may have lifted the trophy, but the bigger conversation now extends beyond the result.
It is about the integrity of the game, and where Fijian football wants to go from here.
Or as fans we take it with a grain of salt and move on.
