The Fiji Rugby Union Rugby World Cup lottery ticket saga took a new twist yesterday when officials from the Commerce Commission searched Rugby House to obtain all documents relating to the lottery ticket draw yesterday afternoon.

As the Commission continues its investigation into the FRU’s decision to make last minute changes to the lottery ticket prices, chairman Dr Mahendra Reddy said they had a search warrant to obtain all relevant information pertaining to their investigation.

The raid was conducted after the FRU responded to the Commission’s decision through their lawyers to reimburse $10 to those people who had earlier bought their lottery tickets for $20 within ten days as well as to refrain from proceeding with the disbursal of the prize money to the eventual winners.

The Commission had also asked the FRU to provide details on the number of tickets sold for $20 and $10 and a list of all reimbursements.

The Commerce Commission is expected to release further information later today.

FRU CEO Keni Dakuidreketi said they will not comment at this stage as the matter is in the hands of their lawyers.

Meanwhile, the Consumer Council of Fiji has also formally lodged a complaint with the Commission after several complaints were received from members of the public regarding the FRU’s decision to reduce the ticket price from $20 to $10 prior to the draw last week.


Story by: Sneh Chaudhry