Fiji committee allows players with pending drug cases to return to play

France Catarogo returned to the field for Labasa after Fiji Football Association’s disciplinary committee allowed players with pending drug cases to play. Labasa defeated Nasinu 1-0 in the opening pool match of the Extra Battle of the Giants.

Catarogo had been suspended after failing a drug test at the BiC Fiji FACT in Labasa in June. Labasa initially left the number nine shirt vacant on its Battle of the Giants squad list while awaiting the outcome of his appeal.

The committee gave Catarogo permission to play at 1 p.m., two hours before Labasa’s match. He said he felt relieved and grateful to represent his hometown again.

Fiji FA chief executive Mohammed Yusuf said the decision applied to all players with pending drug cases while the disciplinary process continues. Lautoka players Veleni Rasorewa and Epeli Leiroti had also been cleared to play, although their cases remain pending.

Yusuf said the Lautoka legal submission should be finalized within weeks. He said the players had been released to ensure they suffered no procedural harm while the legal matter proceeded.

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I am relieved and grateful for the opportunity to represent my hometown once again.