Funding for Fiji’s Rugby World Cup campaign has been jeopardised as the island nation’s coup-installed interim Government grapples with serious economic problems.
Fiji had budgeted $1.4 million ($AUS1 million) for its tilt at the cup in France this year but that budget is now likely to be slashed due to government cutbacks, The Fiji Times newspaper reported.
The report said an extra $300,000 in government funding sought by the Fiji Rugby Union would not be forthcoming.
The union has received $F400,000 from the Government but had sought the extra grant to fully cover its World Cup buildup and logistical costs.
Military-installed Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry told the newspaper he had not received any formal request from the Fiji union for extra funding.
“As far as I am concerned we can’t entertain any extra requests as we are already in a deficit and things are not well,” Chaudhry said.
“If the union wants any additional funds it will have to look at the other sources and the Ministry of Sports could find the extra funds from within but there will be no increase,” he was quoted as saying.
Sports Minister Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi said he had not received any funding request.
Vayeshnoi was due to meet Fiji Rugby Union chief executive Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua later on Tuesday to discuss funding issues.
Fiji is due to name its Rugby World Cup squad on Friday, after selectors have seen players in action in a final trial match.
Armed forces chief Commodore Frank Bainimarama ousted the elected government in a bloodless coup last December. The South Pacific country’s tourism- and sugar export-driven economy has plummeted since then.
AP
Caption: Fijian halfback in the Pacific Nations Cup Vitori Buatava tackles Junior All Blacks counterpart Jimmy Cowan at the national stadium in Suva last month. Photo: GREG TAYLOR
