Fiji rugby chief faces travel ban, RGU

Fri, Nov 6 09:19 PM

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) The chief executive of the Fiji Rugby Union has been banned from following his national team on its autumn tour to Europe and from attending a meeting of the International Rugby Board because he faces corruption charges at home, the Fiji Times reported. The High Court at Suva on Friday refused Keni Dakuidreketi's request to travel with the Fiji team and to meet with the IRB in Dublin while the charges, brought by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, are pending.

Dakuidreketi faces charges of abuse of office and fraud relating to his work the Fiji's Native Land Trust Board before joining the Fiji union, the newspaper said. Justice Paul Madigan, in his ruling Friday, said it was not necessary for Dakuidreketi to accompany the Fiji team in Europe and other officials could attend the IRB meeting on the union's behalf.

Counsel for the Commission Against Corruption opposed Dakuidreketi's request to travel, saying police said he was under investigation and charges were likely to be brought in the Suva Magistrates Court. Fiji is scheduled to play Scotland on Nov.

15, Ireland on Nov. 22 and Romania on Nov.

29.

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