Malolo's Concerns Over Finals Revenue: A Call for Transparency and Fairness
The Malolo Rugby Union, champions of the Skipper Cup, has raised significant concerns regarding the management of gate revenue from the quarterfinals, semifinals, and grand final of this year's tournament. The union is demanding greater transparency from both the Fiji Sports Council and the Fiji Rugby Union.
FBC Sports has reached out to both organizations for comment and awaits their response.
In a statement, Malolo expressed that the figures released by the Fiji Sports Council do not align with their own estimates of crowd numbers at the 2025 Skipper Cup final. The council reported an attendance of approximately 11,000, with ticket prices set at 20 dollars. Based on these numbers, Malolo estimated a revenue of around 220,000 dollars. However, the council's declared total takings were just over 59,000 dollars. Malolo noted that no breakdown of ticket categories, sales, or deductions was provided.
Malolo also emphasized that both finalists were entitled to a share of the takings. The union stated that the amounts received did not align with the reported attendance figures. They pointed out deductions made from Naitasiri Seniors, which received 4,612.60 dollars but had 1,383.78 dollars withheld and redirected to the Naitasiri Under 20 team. This raised questions about the criteria for determining deductions.
Furthermore, Malolo found inconsistencies in the figures from the semifinals. The union reported an attendance of over 9,000 spectators, yet the Fiji Sports Council's takings were just over 56,000 dollars. Malolo questioned how the final, which they believed had a larger crowd, resulted in only slightly more revenue.
The union expressed that players at the domestic elite level deserve better support. Malolo also raised concerns about the handling of cash inside a ticket booth, as suggested by a photograph shared online by a Vatukoula official. These images further fueled their worries about match-day operations.
Additionally, Malolo mentioned that their prize money of 20,000 dollars was reduced to just over 16,000 dollars due to compliance fines. While they accepted the deductions, the union noted that their team is still in the rebuilding phase and did not anticipate winning the title this year.
The union also claimed that the team received only 120 dollars for meal allowances after the grand final, paid through M PAiSA. They were instructed to use this amount to purchase one kilogram of kava. FBC Sports has not verified this account.
Malolo concluded by calling for stronger governance, clearer accountability, and higher administrative standards within the sport.
FBC Sports awaits responses from both the Fiji Rugby Union and the Fiji Sports Council.
