The Fijian Drua have stuck to their independent processes of investigations into the allegations of assault by two of their senior players recently.
The statement was made by Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans in response to a media report highlighting Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre head Shamima Ali’s call that the players remain suspended while investigations are continuing.
Evans said the processes inhouse had been followed stringently.
He further elaborated on the two separate cases and the actions taken by the Club.
“For Peni Matawalu, based on information available at the time, the Club completed an internal process and sanctioned the player accordingly in line with our own standards. We are aware of news reports of potential investigations by the authorities, and it’s only fair to all parties concerned to let the process take its course.”
“As mentioned earlier, he has already been sanctioned in line with previously available information. We can confirm that the sanctions were extensive. We will await the outcome of any process undertaken by the authorities to determine the Club’s next steps.”
On Iosefo Masi “The Fijian Drua has concluded its investigations into two of its players who were involved in an incident that has been publicly reported. However, given that both cases are going through a legal process at present, the Club will not announce any sanctions-related decisions until such time that the legal process has run its course.”
“This is to respect the court process currently underway and protect all parties from prejudicial risk. As a result of this decision, both players are available for Club and Country duties as part of their employment requirements. The Fijian Drua will not make further comments on the matter until an appropriate time.”
