The Fiji Football Association ushered in a new era of leadership at its 87th Ordinary Congress, held in Suva on Friday, May 30, with the election of four new vice presidents representing various divisions across the country.
Aiyaz Musa clinched the Vice President (West) position after securing 32 out of 49 votes. He edged out former vice president Jitendra Kumar and Nadroga President Mun Sami Chetty in a tightly contested race. Musa’s nomination had initially been rejected; however, a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport enabled him to re-enter the election. Despite his victory, his official term will begin only after a final decision is made in his ongoing arbitration case.
Ritesh Pratap, former president of the Suva Football Association, was elected Vice President (South) after garnering 26 votes. He surpassed Rewa Vice President Peter Cecil Singh, who received 3 votes, and incumbent Fiji FA Vice President Jitendra Reddy, who secured 20 votes.
The Women’s Vice President seat went to Mere Reikata of Lautoka, who defeated former vice president Susan Wise by 30 votes to 19. Reikata brings years of grassroots experience and is expected to lead a renewed push for the development of women’s football in Fiji.
In the Northern Division, Rayaz Khan, former president of Labasa FC, was unanimously elected Vice President (North) after Girja Prasad did not contest his position. Khan’s election was widely anticipated, given his extensive experience and longstanding service within the northern football community.
Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel congratulated the newly elected officials and highlighted the importance of strong leadership in achieving the association’s long-term vision for football in the country.
“These appointments are crucial as we continue to build a more inclusive, professional, and competitive football structure across Fiji,” said Patel.