Banned Athletics Fiji coach Bola Tafo’ou said he was a happy man drinking alcohol after the Pacific Games in New Caledonia and he did not act like an angry man and cause trouble.
Speaking to Fijivillage in the last hour, Tafo’ou who has been suspended for four years from coaching athletes in all Team Fiji’s FASANOC organized sporting events, said FASANOC’s decision is too harsh.
Tafo’ou also said he did not attend the Independent Disciplinary Committee hearing.
While announcing the ruling for Tafo’ou and 10 athletes, FASANOC president Vidya Lakhan said that they decided to ban Tafo’ou for four years because he was a repeat offender.
We asked Tafo’ou if he was drinking kava and alcohol during previous meets, he shed some light on the last Mini Games.
He then went on to say that he disagrees with FASANOC’s decision for teams to come back home and then celebrate their win.
FASANOC president Vidya Lakhan said that the members of Team Fiji have been found guilty of consuming yaqona and alcohol.
Other top athletes include gold medalist Leslie Copeland who has been suspended for 12 months but he has been allowed to participate in next year’s Olympics, if he qualifies for the event.
Sprinter Niko Verekauta has been fined $250 and 8 hours of community work.
Other athletes include Vileen Shandil and Pranit Kumar from taekwondo, Helen Pahulu, Koroi Vu and Ana Garnett from powerlifting, Elenoa Navuasese from judo, Jovesa Ligaqaqa and Uraia Gadai from volleyball.
FASANOC will also organize counseling sessions for these athletes and 8 hours of community work in the sports area.
Most of them after serving their penalties will be required to put up a good behavior cash bond should they wish to be part of Team Fiji in the future.
Story by: Vijay Narayan & Selina Navuso
I was a happy man celebrating - Banned Athletics Coach
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