16 Nov 2015

Fiji opposition wants Bainimarama out of Fiji Rugby

6:52 am on 16 November 2015

The shadow minister for youth and sports in Fiji says the country's prime minister Frank Bainimarama should leave the affairs of Fiji Rugby to the FRU.

Fiji prime minister Frank Bainimarama

Fiji prime minister Frank Bainimarama Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades

The opposition Sodelpa Party's Ratu Suliano Matanitobua was reacting to the resignation last week of the union's chief executive and says Fiji Rugby is not the play-ground of the Fiji First Party and its financial backers.

The outgoing CEO, Radrodro Tabulevu has said he was not forced out.

Ratu Suliano says the FRU had been under the de facto control of Mr Bainimarama since 2011 when he forced the independently elected board to step down by threatening to withhold government funds.

Ratu Suliano also says the level of nepotism practised by the prime minister at the union is unprecedented.

He says with Mr Bainimarama's close relatives at the FRU and on the Fiji Sports Council things can only get worse for Fiji rugby.