Shockwaves as Fiji FA “former” vice-president convicted of drug dealing in New Zealand

In a shocking development that has sent shockwaves throughout the sporting and business communities in Fiji and New Zealand, Aiyaz Musa, the Vice-President of the Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA), has been convicted of drug dealing in Auckland. This revelation has tarnished the reputation of not only Musa but also raised questions about the integrity of the association and its leadership.

The case came to light following a joint investigation conducted by New Zealand law enforcement agencies and Fijian authorities. The investigation unveiled a complex drug trafficking network that spanned across international borders, implicating Aiyaz Musa, a prominent figure within the Fijian football scene.

Musa, who was re-elected as the Vice-President of Fiji FA during the presidency of Rajesh Patel, was well-regarded within the football community. However, recent events have shattered this image as Musa’s involvement in illicit activities has come to the forefront.

The conviction is particularly stunning as it implicates not only a prominent sports official but also a businessman with significant influence across various sectors in Fiji. Musa’s ties to both the sporting and business world have added another layer of complexity to the case, leaving many bewildered by the extent of his alleged involvement.

Aiyaz Musa’s resignation from his position as Vice-President of Fiji FA just days before his conviction has raised suspicions and questions about the timing of his decision. The association, in a media statement, confirmed his resignation and expressed its commitment to upholding transparency and fair play within the organization. The statement also reiterated the organization’s dedication to cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.

The conviction of Aiyaz Musa has sparked debates within the Fijian community about the need for stronger measures to prevent corruption and unethical behavior within sporting organizations. Many are calling for a thorough review of the association’s leadership and its practices to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future.

The sudden fall from grace of Aiyaz Musa serves as a sobering reminder that corruption can infiltrate even the most seemingly reputable institutions. As legal proceedings continue, the football community in Fiji will be closely watching the developments, hoping for justice to be served and for measures to be implemented to prevent similar incidents from occurring again.

Musa’s actions have tarnished the reputation of football in Fiji and marred the image of the Fiji FA, expressed by Rajesh Singh, the former Fijian Sports Minister to RNZ. He emphasized the need for the government to investigate the association’s matters, similar to their scrutiny of the Fiji Rugby Union.

Rajesh Singh also remarked that while Musa’s resignation from football roles was acknowledged, it was regrettable that the Fiji FA had not conducted thorough background checks on him. Both FIFA and the Fiji FA have always advocated for organizations to be “Drug Free,” making Musa’s actions detrimental to their principles.

Singh questioned how Musa managed to attain the role of VP in the Fiji FA and hold a significant position within FIFA. In 2021 Musa was elected to a FIFA Governance spot, indicated by the Fiji FA. The current Fijian government, represented by Sports Minister Jese Saukuru and Finance Minister Biman Prasad, has recently issued cautionary statements regarding the FFA. They have called for a reorganization of the association and its management.