FANCA-a step in the right direction

Opinions / Analysis

FANCA Muslim Sports registration is a step in the right direction.

Recently registered with the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Fiji, the head honcho of the establishment has declared the intentions clear.

“Our objective is clear, to organize sporting events and help with community development projects.”

While the FANCA name was born in Vancouver in 1997, it never saw the light of registration even with some of the legal minds who are a part of the organization failed to advise about the ownership.

And the years on became from a megalomaniac, lavish to decor entity.

But let’s be clear as daylight that between 1997-2022, the federation that FANCA was, hadn’t made anything of it, besides hosting biennial football tournaments and appeasing themselves.

And since 1997, Fiji has hosted multiple tournaments, Canada twice, USA, New Zealand and Australia once.

Fiji has always claimed as the home, and openly declared the ownership.

Theme

The theme during the inaugural year had been ‘Romancing the Competition’ and ‘Bringing the Umma Together’.

It resonated in the early years, but with power that be, bureaucracy and aversion the former had been at its colourful best.

Budget/overspending

Look no further than the 2022 event, with the $90,000 plus budget allocation, all of which was through donor funds, the governance did not shy away from spending at will.

The over the top attire, to eateries for the top down of body and host nation Fiji officials reminded one of American business magnate and billionaire Warren Buffett’s quotes, ‘rich people stay rich by living like they're broke, poor people stay poor by living like they're rich.’

The worrying fact is the lavish spending could have been put to better use but it just got worse by the tournament.

And if the theme’ Romancing the Competition 'and ‘Bringing the Umma Together ', held supreme, then the nations, including fans should have enjoyed the very privileges as the executives and the board members.

New direction

But things will be different with FANCA Muslim Sports, it has a purpose and is all about parity.

“We will immediately stop lavish spending and put all the revenues towards education of underprivileged children in Fiji, for the dire needy, like orphanages, medical treatments and construction of aged care facilities and many more.

“With participation we will build a robust and rugged society, that is our goal.”

Call for interest

The FMS will call for the nation's interest in the days ahead, failing to leave them with no choice but to include new registration.

“Going forward a new management board will be formed with the consultation of affiliates to host future FANCA events.

FANCA wishes to work closely with Fiji Muslim League and other Muslim organisations around the world for the greater good of its people.

FMS is not owned by an individual, it is for all Muslims.

“FANCA welcomes everybody to be part of this organisation and help our brand prosper.”