Patel issues warning over rejected national call-ups

Fiji Football president Rajesh Patel has issued a stern warning to members of the Extra Bula FC squad who have declined national team call-ups for an upcoming four-day tour of Vanuatu. Patel emphasized that refusing such an opportunity could have serious repercussions for the players' future involvement in football within Fiji.

Patel highlighted that one of the primary objectives behind establishing Bula FC, Fiji's inaugural professional football club, was to cultivate players and provide them with a clear pathway to represent the nation internationally. He stressed that rejecting a national call-up is a serious matter and could result in players facing restrictions not only on representing the national team but also Bula FC and their respective districts.

The Fiji FA Board is currently deliberating on potential actions against the players involved. Patel expressed concern, noting that several Bula FC players had already turned down the chance to join the tour. He questioned the players' commitment, asking, "Where is their honor? Are they only going for the money? Because we have spent so much on development and pathways for them, the least they can do is represent the country when we need them to."

Patel made it clear that representing the country is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. The Fiji FA Board has yet to determine the specific consequences, but the message from the football association is firm: national duty and commitment are paramount, and players who refuse call-ups may face significant limitations on their football careers within Fiji.

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Where is their honor? Are they only going for the money? Because we have spent so much on development and pathways for them, the least they can do is represent the country when we need them to.