Rugby World Cup
Fiji's World Cup in doubt?
ESPNscrum Staff
January 23, 2011
Fiji's Albert Vulivuli drives for the line, Wales v Fiji, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, November 19, 2010
Fiji are again set to meet Wales at the Rugby World Cup © Getty Images
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Fiji's participation at the Rugby World Cup has been thrown into doubt after the IRB wrote to the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) in the wake of their power struggle against the country's military government.

The union's board was forced to step down earlier this month after the government refused to bankroll the team's World Cup campaign due to the alleged mismanagement of a lottery designed to raise funds for the team's participation.

Sports Minister Filipe Bole forced the board's hand by refusing to provide the necessary F$3 million unless they quit, with a special general meeting called for January 29 in order to elect new officials.

The Fiji Sun reports however that the meeting has been postponed and the resignation of chief executive Keni Dakuidreketi turned down following the letter from the IRB.

"Any action in contravention of the constitution of the FRU will result in the union potentially not remaining in good standing as a member of the union of the IRB which may result in the IRB having to take a determination on the continued membership of the IRB of the FRU," the IRB's letter said.

IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset and chief executive Mike Miller are reportedly set to meet with the current board in February. Fiji are slated to begin their World Cup Pool D campaign against Namibia on September 10 before clashes with South Africa, Wales and Samoa.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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