DR. SAHU KHAN RETAINS FIJI FA PRESIDENCY
Fiji Football Association president Dr Shamsu Dean Sahu Khan will retain the post for another four years after he won the election on a technical point in Lautoka on Thursday (6 October).
His rival Jeetendra “JD” Maharaj was disqualified because he did not file his application within 28 days as required by the amended Fiji FA Constitution.
The meeting was told this morning that Maharaj had lodged his application for the presidency within the 7 day period as previously stipulated in the Constitution.
A Special General Meeting in Ba two months ago agreed to amend the clause from 7 days to 28 days.
Maharaj said he would not give up the fight adding he would seek legal advice on today’s meeting and is considering taking legal action against the Fiji FA.
Dr. Sahu Khan issued a stay order during the election after it was revealed that Maharaj’s nomination for presidency did not comply with the amended clause of the Fiji FA constitution.
The constitution was amended at a Special General Meeting in Ba two months ago, where delegates agreed to amend the Fiji FA constitution on the nomination period for president.
Article 40 states “only members of Fiji FA may propose candidates for the office of President.”
“Members shall notify the general secretariat in writing of the name of a candidate for the presidency of Fiji FA at least 28 days before the day of the congress.”
Sahu Khan pointed out to the delegates including Maharaj, that this was not followed when Maharaj put in his nomination.
After heated argument between the members it was ruled that Maharaj could not contest the post.
Maharaj said they followed article 20.9 which states, “Nomination of office bearers must be in the hands of the chief executive officer of the association seven clear days before the date of the congress, together with the written consent of the person nominated”.
According to Kumar, Maharaj was disqualified because he did not meet the 28 day requirement.
Speaking after his win, Dr. Sahu Khan said he would serve his term for the next four years and ensure the Nadawa Academy was completed.
Khan also warned that FIFA laws were very straightforward and noone or any district affiliated to the parent soccer body can take Fiji FA to court.
Maharaj said he would exhaust all avenues to see that soccer had a fair election on who should be its rightful president.
Dr. Sahu Khan said he was very happy he won.
TWO NEW VICE PRESIDENTS FOR FIJI FA
Rajesh Patel of Ba and Rewa’s Yogeshwar Singh have been elected as Vice President’s of the Fiji FA joining Suren Rama (Savusavu) and Ashok Balgovind.
Patel defeated Dr. Hari Kewel while Singh beat Hari Raj Naicker for the VP post.
FIJI FA ANNOUNCES INCREASED SURPLUS
The Fiji FA also recorded a profit of $22,418 (FJD) at the end of its financial period (July 2005), an increase of $12,536 from the surplus recorded in 2004.