The Fijian champions of the 2008 OFC Youth Festival in Noumea have suffered a blow by the New Zealand government who have rejected their planned preperation schedule for the Danone Nations Cup tournament in France in September.
Flying Arrows Ba have had their transit visas rejected by the New Zealand government which could prevent them from entering the country.
The Kiwis have placed a sporting sanction on Fijian teams and their decision is a direct result of this.
The Fiji contingent was expected to fly to New Zealand later in the month and play a couple of friendly matches there before taking a transit flight to France.
Fiji FA chief executive officer Bob Kumar said he has received a letter from the New Zealand High Commission informing him of their decision not to approve the visas due to the sanctions placed on the sporting federations of Fiji.
“Its unfortunate that the little kids have fallen victims and will suffer as a result of the decision, said Kumar.
“The contingent was preparing well for the short tour of New Zealand and now with the rejection, they might just have to fly direct for the competition without playing any foreign build up matches.
“We now may have to travel through Korean Airlines or look at other options, but the important aspect that we need to consider is that we are taking on board very young kids with us and it would be difficult keeping them in air for long” added Kumar.
The Flying Arrows will compete with top teams from 40 countries around the globe in the Danone Nations Cup which is the biggest tournament in the world for kids between the ages of 10-12.
Fiji defeated Auckland 2-0 in the final of the OFC Youth Festival in New Caledonia earlier in the year.
The Farouk Janeman coached side did the nation proud by becoming the Fijian outfit ever to qualify for the tournament.
The Danone Nations Cup will be played from September 3-7 in various stadiums in Paris.