Fiji FA claim Canosa was in breach of contract when he publically criticised the association through the media in regards to the naming of a squad for upcoming friendlies against Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Tahiti.
Argentine Canosa told reporters that the names of some of the players announced after the Vodafone Fiji FACT final were not the same as he had given to the Fiji FA Board of Control and expressed his disappointment that these changes were made without his approval.
But acting Fiji FA president Anil Sharma says Canosa was aware of the changes and feels he has undermined the authority of the association by going public with his criticism.
In a press conference this week, Sharma stated that Canosa has been suspended for breach of contract and took the opportunity to put across Fiji FA’s side of the story.
“The national team was selected on the recommendations of the national coach Claudio Canosa and technical director Saiyad Ali,” Sharma said.
“They presented a list to the Board of Control of Fiji FA and, upon their recommendations, the board endorsed the list with just three changes. Yet Mr Canosa made a U-turn soon after the announcement of the national team and cried foul,” he added.
“The board did its best to select the best possible squad and we believe it has the quality of players to make us proud as we get ready for the six international matches and the Pacific Games. The statements made by Mr Canosa are not only unhelpful but can be attributed as a breach of his contract. Mr Canosa has undermined the authority of Fiji FA, its Board of Control and its technical committee.”
Sharma also stated that the board will meet again soon to review the case and make a final decision.
In the meantime, Fiji FA technical director Ali will take over the team and prepare it for the upcoming friendlies and Pacific Games.
To read the full statement from acting president Anil Sharma on the Fiji FA website click here