FIJI FOOTBALL COACH CHRISTOPHE GAMEL

The Fiji Football Association has cleared the air that it has not received any complaint from the women footballers regarding the allegation made against national coach Christophe Gamel.

This clarification comes after a local newspaper published the article despite being informed by the Fiji FA that the matter is under investigation.

Fiji FA, president Rajesh Patel confirms the players have not made any complaints to the Association.

Patel says on the 16th of this month, nine players were found positive of drug use.

He says Gamel discussed with the players and made it clear that drugs are not tolerated by the Association or FIFA and they were suspended later.

The Fiji FA says, the Ba Football Association then sent an email the next day stating that these under-23 players were ill-treated (verbally abused and slapped on head numerously) by Gamel and they have requested that until the issue is resolved, there should not be any reprimand against their players concerned.

Patel says their policy and FIFA requires immediate suspension if players are found positive after a drug test and they cannot hold off on reprimand or sanction based on unrelated allegations.

He says they informed the Ba football association last Monday that an internal investigation has commenced into the allegations made against Gamel.

Patel says Gamel has been interviewed and he has denied the allegations.

The Fiji FA has made it clear that it will not ask any person to step down nor will it terminate or suspend any employment based on any media reports and allegations alone.

The Association President says they will prepare a report once they obtain all the relevant statements and evidence.

He says in the meantime, they are inviting women or other footballers under them to make a formal complaint so the matter can be properly investigated.

He adds they take these issues seriously and will impose an appropriate sanction against anyone found guilty.