Sports Ministry to work smarter with $23.1m budget

Fiji's Ministry of Youth and Sports is set to operate with a $23.1 million budget for the 2026/27 financial year, a slight decrease from the $23.4 million received this year. Minister Jese Saukuru acknowledged the government's cautious fiscal approach due to global economic pressures but conveyed satisfaction with the allocated funds.

"We're content with what we have. We can’t complain. It’s almost the same as last year’s budget, so we’re willing to do whatever has been given to us. It’s a global crisis we have, and we are happy with what the Ministry of Finance has given us," Saukuru stated. The ministry had initially requested $30 million.

Despite the reduced allocation, the government is introducing measures to encourage private sector involvement in sports. The minimum sponsorship threshold has been lowered from $250,000 to $100,000. This change allows more businesses to access tax incentives for supporting sporting organizations and infrastructure. Additionally, the tax incentive previously exclusive to the Fijian Drua will now extend to Fiji's first professional football club, Bula FC.

Saukuru emphasized that with the available funding and the new incentives, the ministry will focus on "working smarter" to continue developing sports nationwide. The ministry aims to maximize its resources and leverage private investment to foster growth across various sporting disciplines.

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We’re content with what we have. We can’t complain. It’s almost the same as last year’s budget, so we’re willing to do whatever has been given to us. It’s a global crisis we have, and we are happy with what the Ministry of Finance has given us.