SPORTS

Rewa Boss Explains Jersey Confusion

The new Rewa uniform had their major sponsor, Foodcity, printed in front of their jersey instead of Vodafone. But they had printed the Vodafone logo on the sleeves instead. Vodafone Fiji is the major sponsor of the Vodafone Premier League.
31 Aug 2020 11:22
Rewa Boss Explains Jersey Confusion
Rewa Football Association president Nazeel Buksh (left) tells why the confusion over their new jersey. Photo: Fiji FA Media

The Rewa Football Association has indicated that a misunderstanding with the Fiji Football Association competition’s department resulted in the confusion over their new jerseys.

The new Rewa uniform had their major sponsor, Foodcity, printed in front of their jersey instead of Vodafone. But they had printed the Vodafone logo on the sleeves instead. Vodafone Fiji is the major sponsor of the Vodafone Premier League.

Rewa FA president, Nazeel Buksh said a verbal agreement was done earlier on so they went ahead with the printing of the new jersey.

The Delta Tigers were asked to change their jerseys before their clash against Ba on Saturday.

“That was a misunderstanding,” he said.

“Initially we were advised that we could change our jerseys and put our own sponsors name in front and Vodafone logo on the sleeves.

“But it was only a verbal confirmation, there was not anything in writing,” Buksh added.

He claimed another district team had also made a similar change to their jerseys.

“Vodafone I think came back and said the initial arrangement will remain, but we were not informed about it, that the arrangement has been changed,” he said.

“Actually one other district made the change on that similar verbal confirmation but since our game was first, we came out first with the jersey and the other team did not have the chance to wear theirs.

“On our part, the fault was we did not wait for any written confirmation, we just went ahead with the verbal confirmation that we can go ahead and change the jersey,” Buksh added.

He said that Rewa would not conduct such an act to cause tension between the two parties, it was a matter of confusion.

“Rewa Football would never go against what is in the rule,” he said.

“We would never go against the sponsors, we value the sponsors whether it’s Rewa Football sponsor or Fiji Football competition sponsor.

“We would never create any kind of tension between Fiji Football and Vodafone.

“The Vodafone logo is on the sleeves, but I don’t understand why they went ahead and made us change the jerseys.”

Buksh has confirmed that there has not been any charges written to them yet.

“We still waiting for any charges in writing. If we got any charges against the association, we will definitely go and defend it,” he added.

Report

Fiji Football Association chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf said they were waiting for the full report from the match officials and at the moment there seemed to be a breach of regulations by Rewa FA.

“And if that’s the case after receiving the report then we will be charging Rewa FA to appear before the board on September 19.”

Asked if there was any verbal agreement on this condition Yusuf responded: “Not as far as I know, we don’t do agreement in verbal, we do it in writing.”

Yusuf also confirmed that he has not heard a word from the competition’s committee regarding this issue.

Meanwhile, Vodafone Fiji indicated that they were going to send a press release on the issue today.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj

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