Soccer administrators of the super premier districts competing in the Battle of the Giants have welcomed the Fiji Football Association’s decision to have random drug tests at the tournament.

The exercise is an attempt by the Fiji FA to curb drug use in the districts.

“My players don’t do drugs and will be ready at any stage of the tournament for random testing if doubts or suspicions arise” said Fiji FACT champs Navua soccer president Anil Sharma.

Host district Suva soccer secretary Avinesh Permal also supports the idea. He said the tests would also help the administrators work with more committed and dedicated players that are drug free.

“We do not have players that smoke marijuana in our squad and will be available for test at any point in time,” he adds.

Defending champions Ba president Rishi Kumar said the timing of the introduction was perfect as it was normally during tournaments when players opt to do drugs.

“Ba does not condone drugs. We train and believe strongly in God for strength and wisdom and do not resort to drugs and other ill doings” he added.

Lautoka soccer boss Shalendra Prasad also welcomed the decision and said the introduction of the testing system would also help them identify the culprits.

“We welcome the decision and will give our full support to Fiji FA as drugs do not do any good to the sport and needs to be totally eradicated” said Prasad.

Fiji FA decided on the drug tests following the revelation by former Rewa player Patrick Wise that marijuana use is prevalent in Fiji soccer.

He said members of his Rewa side were also smoking marijuana while in camp for the Fiji FACT.

Fiijlive

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