Fiji Football won’t answer Bula FC questions on Merchandising Contract

The Fiji Football Association (FFA) has respectfully declined to comment on serious questions being raised about Bula FC relating to its ownership, management, hiring practices, contracts and alleged conflicts of interest.

FFA Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Yusuf, speaking to Duavata News, said the Association respectfully declined to comment.

“I have no comments to make. All contracts and recruitment details are with Bula FC, and they have confidentiality agreements with all staff and players. Bula FC is a separate entity, and we respect that. Bula FC has its own management team and is a separate entity,” Yusuf said.

“We again thank you for your understanding,” Yusuf said.

Duavata News thanks Mr Yusuf for his timely response.

Over the past 12 hours, a large number of Duavata News readers have contacted the outlet directly, raising a multitude of questions regarding Bula FC.

These include concerns surrounding the appointment of FFA Vice President (West) Nazia Ali-Krishna as Bula FC’s Acting Chief Commercial Officer and the simultaneous awarding of a merchandising contract to a brand known as RK21, which is owned by her husband, Roy Krishna.

Duavata News can now confirm that RK21 is the official kit provider for Bula FC.

Questions have been sent to Ms Ali-Krishna seeking clarification on the value of the contract and whether any conflict-of-interest checks were conducted prior to the contract being awarded to her husband, given her position.

In a TikTok video, Ms Ali is also seen inside a merchandising store in New Zealand, showing viewers jerseys priced at up to NZD $125 and other merchandise, including bottles.

Screenshots also sent to Duavata News show Ms Ali-Krishna engaging with Ba football supporters on Viber regarding the quality of the team jerseys and referencing the company RK on multiple occasions.

Roy Krishna, Ms Ali-Krishna’s husband, is currently contracted with the club and is the captain of Bula FC. Duavata News has also sought clarification on the value of his playing contract.

Further questions relate to whether Ms Ali-Krishna’s nephews have been appointed to key positions within the team, including the team manager role.

Duavata News has also sought clarification on the ownership of Bula FC, the company’s shareholding structure, and the extent of any funding provided by FIFA through the FFA to Bula FC. Questions were also sent asking how much, if any, of that funding may have been paid to entities such as RK21.

Duavata News has highlighted that Bula FC claims to be Fiji’s first professional club and to represent Fiji and its people, and should therefore be transparent and accountable.

As of publication, no responses have been received to these questions from Bula FC management, and we await an official response.