NZ v Fiji called off by FIFA

That definition is sure met by a World Cup qualifying match being hosted by NZ.

�You can understand FIFA�s view. If we didn�t stop the match, we set a really bad precedent that would cause chaos within the football world,� Nicholas said. (from nz soccer website).

terminator_x2007-10-12 16:57:53

Dave57 - I don't understand how anyone can blame the Fijian Football Association for complaining to FIFA? How does that work?

Yeah i don`t get that either.

just a quick question does this mean the phoenix boys can play sunday?

Fiji arn't to blame.  Thhey shouldn't be in this position in the first place.  Its crazy.  I would have never predicted I would have felt so angry at this.  Where are those to greeks,  they have had nothing to say and that QPR guy?

FFFAAARRRRKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So you think the FIFA rules should be amended to state that political involvement is okay up to a limit of one player?

yo dude its there #1 goalie it would be like killen not getting a visa for us

I just don't like stupid people (apart from Feverish).

I think FIFA have their head in the sand if they expect any government to roll over and admit someone just because they are representing a national footie side. Can you imagine the US changing their mind if someone who didn't pass muster for whatever reason tried to get in as a member of a national footie side? No chance.

SiNZ2007-10-12 17:14:48

Winston's on air.  I think I'm going to puke.

Seatter was just on Newstalk ZB - I felt he should have been a bit more "f**kING c**tS IN THE BEEHIVE - I"LL SMASH THE c**tS.  WHO ARE YA, WHO ARE YA"

Dave572007-10-12 17:24:12

Frankie Mac2007-10-12 17:24:50

No. http://www.nzsoccer.com/plugins/newsfeed.cgi?rm=content&plugin_data_id=21125

RING UP RADIO SPORT AND HAVE YA SAY 0800 82 55 77

Dave572007-10-12 17:35:35

[QUOTE=Dave57 [/QUOTE] Frankie Mac2007-10-12 17:37:21

Dave572007-10-12 17:42:10

Seatts as you are around where and when could we possibly play this game? Do we have to play it in Oceania?Thanks.

Here's Seatter

i think I would call that interview on the National radio with Winnie as less than probing .... and when winnie said he had sighted a copy of the goalies' wedding certificate from 2005 it kind of ruined the interviewer's main argument.

HOWEVER - I could see NZ winning the match on Saturday and Fiji then protesting about the home side effectively being able to choose which players the opposition could field - so to kill that possibility it was necessary for FIFA to pull the plug.

and it really sucks

phoenix rising2007-10-12 17:56:55

Well the AB's played in the same finals as Fiji, Why were they not brought home before the tournament started?( Or even sent in the first place?) I'm disappointed Winston, no consistancy. Come to think of it, the USA & the French were also involved and politically we're not friends with them either.

I wonder what would have happened if this happened in 4 years time....(the rugby world cup in NZ)...would they have let the fijian rugby team into the country?

Agreed that this is sh*te

but .. what if, hypothetically...

NZ plays Indonesia in the playoff later in the piece. Turns out the Indo left back was the alchemist for the Bali bombing but didn't go to jail. We don't give him a visa. Fifa says he plays.

Hypothetically

I see this just as an unfortunate set of circumstance and am finding it difficult to blame anyone. The whole problem began when the Fiji games had to be rushed after Vanuatu games had to be re-scheduled, so there was little time for NZ Football, FIFA and the Government to think this through properly. FIFA are fully justified in pulling the game, as were the Fijians in asking for the same, although I would have expected FIFA to have pulled the plug quicker than it did.
As far as the Government goes, my, ahem, inside, sources state that the Fiji football team was allowed to enter on the same basis as the Fiji 7's team (the process was apparently even rushed through), ie, part of international competition that NZ was committed to, and the football players were subjected to same background checks as the 7's players. My source is insistant that the keeper is married, they've located and seen a marriage certificate and have found no evidence that the marriage has terminated in any way. The problem here is that our sanctions are unilateral so FIFA as an internatioal organisation doesn't have to abide by them.
While a lot of people are understandably angry, from the Government's point of view the rules can't really be changed now. While charges of hypocrisy on Government's part are perhaps not altogether inaccurate, the Government has to operate in the real world. In other words, when we look to uphold democratic principles away from our shores, we can flex only enough political muscle not to jeopardise our other interests, usually economic. So with China, we can whisper and make polite suggestions; with Fiji, we can be more heavy-handed. POLS 101 there.el grapadura2007-10-12 18:41:35

What about an exhibition match for all us Aucklanders starved of quality football?

Fijian coach stated on the news that fiji should get the points for the game-no rematch. Also confirmed that the goalie is married, he was lying about the gf thing.