Fijian national football team defender Peni Finau has found himself in hot water after falling foul of administrators ahead of this weeken’d FIFA World Cup South Africa™ Oceanian Qualifiers.
New Zealand – based Finau was to have joined the national team camp in Ba this week for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Vanuatu but failed to show up without informing officials.
Fiji FA vice-president Rajesh Patel said the parent body would recover ticket costs from the former Ba utility.
“Two weeks back Peni told us that he was available and Fiji FA sent him a ticket which will now be recovered from him.’’
Patel said Fiji FA’s board of control would decide if further action was to be taken against the player.
“The fact that he’s a semi-professional player, who chose not to even inform us of the reasons for not being here, is a downfall on his part. We’ll prepare a report for the board and if it has merit then the disciplinary committee will charge him,’’ he said.
Labasa’s Henry Dyer joined camp on Tuesday to provide cover in midfield after Australia-based Shivan Sami and Labasa’s Alvin Avinesh were ruled out.
“We needed someone with experience to be able to hold the ball in midfield and Henry is unbelievably very fit for it. We may not use him this week but definitely he will be considered for next week’s game in Vanuatu because Salesh (Kumar) is only available this week,’’ he said.
Buzzetti is impressed with the commitment shown by former Lautoka midfielder Pranit Singh, who now plays for Tavua.
“He is good player, very confident and this is a great opportunity for him to learn more. I’m happy with what he has shown so far.’’
He said the 24-member squad focused on fitness and skills yesterday.
“We’ve planned difficult training sessions for the next two days. Focus will be on movement of the team and what they have to do during the game,’’ Buzzetti said.