Never mind the dramas in Samoa! Things arent looking too good for Fijis rugby crazy fans wanting to access live coverage of this weekends Dubai 7s. World Rugby (formerly IRB) has suspended live coverage of the Dubai 7s, due to a breach of its exclusivity rights with Fiji Television caused by the enactment of the Television (Cross-Carriage of Designated Events) Decree 2014 which essentially allowed other television companies like FBC to share the live feed of important televised events. In a letter to Mr Sayed-Khaiyum and Prime Minister Rear Admiral (Ret) Mr Voreqe Bainimarama, World Rugbys head of legal and legislative affairs, Susan Ahern highlighted the fact that no prior consultation was sought with World Rugby. At the outset we wish to make clear that World Rugby is respectful at all times of applicable national laws, Ms Ahern wrote. However, it has been our experience in the past that the countries which have brought in similar legislation or directives to that of Fiji have engaged in prior consultation process involving World Rugby. Naturally we are keen to ensure that there is a balance struck between access to events of national importance for citizens of that country and that of the economic impact that World Rugby experiences as a direct and/or indirect consequence of the legislation or directive imposed. In addition, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said they would be writing to World Rugby explaining the motive behind the decree. He said the decree in no way would affect the commercial interest of World Rugby or its licensed broadcaster, Fiji TV. It has worked extremely successfully with the FIFA World Cup, the Gold Coast 7s and were hoping the Dubai leg ... , Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said. Unfortunately there appears to be some undermining of this particular process. People of Fiji who want to undermine the motivation (behind the decree) are completely disloyal not just to their country but to those actual fans of rugby. It is hoped that IRB management understand that this law is put in place to perpetuate rugby as a major sporting event in Fiji.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Dec 2014 21:12:18 +0000
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