The Fiji Football Association has made it clear that it cannot afford to play international matches as it is too costly.

President, Dr Samsu Dean Sahu Khan said people should stop criticizing the soccer governing body in Fiji as they have to folk out a lot of money to send a team on tour overseas.

Sahu Khan adds FIFA rankings does not depict the true standard of football.

He added that Fiji can also improve its rankings just by playing the Pacific Island countries like Tonga and Papua New Guinea but this will not improve soccer standards for Fiji in the long run.

However, Sahu Khan has confirmed the National side will play international matches against some of the top teams next year before the Pacific games.