Digicel Fiji Chief Executive Officer, Darren McLean has confirmed that he made the payment of $20,000 to a Vodafone Fiji 7s team players’ representative for the win in last month’s Gold Coast 7s tournament.
McLean said he will not reveal the identity of the person as it would compromise that person’s position.
However he said this is a voluntary payment by Digicel directly to the players who won in Gold Coast.
McLean said this occurred in Suva yesterday in good faith and Digicel Fiji would like a positive outcome from this for the players.
He also refused the claims by Vodafone that this is a cheap stunt to influence the view of the public and create confusion in the market.
We are currently trying to find out if the players have received the money.
Meanwhile the Fiji Rugby Union has denied receiving any payment from Digicel.
CEO Radrodro Tabualevu said he is not aware of such a payment.
Tabualevu said neither the FRU nor any of its players will accept any payment from Digicel as it completely disrespects the relationship held between FRU and the current sponsors.
Tabualevu said they are extremely disappointed that Digicel had made this comment even without a discussion with the management of FRU and they will discuss with their legal team and take appropriate action.
Vodafone has also raised concerns after the press release issued by Digicel.
Vodafone CEO Pradeep Lal said they have sought clarifications from FRU and no one seems to be aware of any such payments to the 7s players.
Lal said they stand by their commitment to support and lift the profile of rugby and will continue to do so through their five year partnership.
He said they will be exploring legal opinion on the matter as they view this as a cheap stunt to influence the view of the public and create confusion in the market.
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