Funding for Fiji's Rugby World Cup campaign has been jeopardized as the island nation's coup-installed interim government grapples with serious economic problems.
Fiji had budgeted F$1.4 million (US$885,000) 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 yesterday.
no more money
The report said an extra F$300,000 in government funding sought by the Fiji Rugby Union would not likely be forthcoming. The union has received F$400,000 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 yesterday to discuss funding issues.
squad announcement
Fiji is due to name its Rugby World Cup squad on Friday, after selectors have seen players in action in a final trials match.
Armed forces chief Commodore Frank Bainimarama ousted the elected government in a bloodless coup on Dec. 5. The South Pacific country's economy has plummeted since then.
Tourism, a key sector of the Fiji economy, has slumped partly because travel advisories from Australia and New Zealand warn their nationals of instability and "some risk" in Fiji.
Bainimarama has sought to discuss the issue with the leaders of Australia and New Zealand.
RSS