Suspension Lifted: Former Referee and Ba Football Critic Varaun Nitin Lal Calls for Unity Ahead of IDC

Ba Football Association has lifted the suspension of former Fiji FA referee and outspoken Ba fan, Varaun Nitin Lal, bringing an end to a dramatic standoff that had sidelined one of the district’s most passionate supporters.

Known for his blunt views on the state of Ba Football, Lal was handed a 15-year suspension, a ground ban, and a $65,000 fine earlier this year after criticizing the association’s interim leadership. Two other officials were also sanctioned at the time, facing fines of $100,000 and $15,000 respectively.

Speaking to Duavata News after his reinstatement, Lal said the Ba FA board had “identified their error” and overturned the suspension.

“Yes, I was suspended for 15 years, banned from the ground, and fined $65,000 for speaking out, but that’s the past. I am a Ba fan and want the best for Ba,” Lal said. “Football is a result-based sport — critics will always be there. At the end of the day, fair play always wins, and that’s what happened in our case.”

Lal’s passion for Ba Football runs deep. Govind Park is literally in his backyard, and from childhood he has spent much of his time on its terraces, training grounds, and tournaments. Over the years, he developed a lifetime of football experience — not only as a supporter, but also as a Fiji FA referee and a football administrator. He previously served as President of Yalalevu Club Football, one of Ba’s prominent club sides.

Lal has urged current interim officials to put full focus on ensuring the Inter-District Championship (IDC) trophy stays in Ba as the district marks its 90th anniversary this year.

“Ba hasn’t won anything since 2023, and the pressure is on the officials to deliver,” he told Duavata News. “We all should rally behind the team, and I call on all business houses in Ba to put their differences aside and come together for Ba.”

He also reminded football administrators at both district and national level that freedom of speech and constructive criticism are fundamental to the growth of the sport.

“Officials should not try to suppress the rights of individuals. Fans have a voice because they care. That’s what makes Ba different.”

Lal further urged officials, especially those based outside Ba, to respect and understand the pain and hard work put in by local administrators — something he believes outsiders “do not fully grasp while leading from overseas.”

When asked about his future plans, Lal revealed he intends to recover costs incurred during his appeal process and will soon decide his next steps.

With Ba preparing for one of its most important tournaments in recent memory, Lal’s reinstatement adds another chapter to the district’s storied footballing history.