This means there is little likelihood of 2013 OFC Champions League Golden Boot winner Sunni Issa from Nigeria, who featured heavily for Ba throughout the competition, returning to defend his title in the 2014 edition of the competition.
Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel says the motion to no longer allow foreign players to represent local districts was passed unanimously at the Fiji FA council meeting on Saturday at the National Football Academy in Ba.
“The Fiji FA board had recommended for two foreign players for each district with a three month residency requirement but Rewa moved a motion, seconded by Ba, saying that no foreign players should be allowed to play. This was passed unanimously,” Patel says.
While currently contracted players will have the opportunity to feature for their clubs in the Inter District Championship in October, they are not expected to take part in any National Football League matches when the competition kicks off in September according to Patel.
“From the new league season no foreign players will be allowed to play in the Super and Premier divisions,” he says. “Those that have been registered by districts will be allowed to feature in the 2013 Courts Inter District Championship but not afterwards. Districts have been advised to implement the exit clause.”
Patel believes the decision will benefit the growth of the local game in the long run.
“This is good news. The government and Fiji FA were concerned as our local players were being deprived of the opportunity to participate,” Patel says. “Lots of foreign players were coming just to win tournaments for distracts and it was of no benefit as far as development was concerned.
“We thought retired professional players like Thierry Henry or Ronaldo could come and play for Fiji teams but it was headed in other ways. We were developing players from other countries. Following this move, districts will now develop their own players.”
The Suva, Navua, Rewa, Lautoka and Labasa clubs all signed foreign players during the last Fiji FA transfer and registration window and will all be affected by Saturday’s decision.
For more on Fiji football go to www.fijifootball.com.fj

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