# Benevolent paternalism and player transition in Fiji soccer: insights from the Global South

## TL;DR

This paper explores how benevolent paternalism and cultural practices influence athlete transition in Fijian soccer, contrasting with Global North approaches.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into culturally appropriate athlete transition practices in the Global South, specifically in Fiji.

## Key findings

- Fiji's soccer transition practices are rooted in benevolent paternalism and cultural hegemony.
- The FFA is improving ex-player welfare, but initial efforts came from self-help organizations.
- Culturally appropriate coaching and psychology are essential for effective athlete transition in Fiji.

## Abstract

Because Fiji is a relatively poor and remote Global South developing country, it is plagued by poor infrastructure, financial problems, and a lack of trained experts who also can relate to athletes in a culturally appropriate manner. In this article, we compare Global North coaching practices with traditional practices in Fiji, which are based mostly on benevolent paternalism and cultural hegemony. A specific focus is the transition of athletes into retirement.

Case studies of Nadi Soccer Association and Ba Football Association are utilized based on ethnographic data obtained from seven interviews with ex-players, one interview with an ex-administrator, and one interview with an ex-team doctor as well as extended participant-observation.

The Fiji Football Association (FFA) is seen as working hard now to consider the mental and physical welfare of ex-players after a slow start although the primary initiatives have come from ex-player self-help organizations such as Nadi Legends Club.

Although better sport coaching and sport psychology can contribute, they need to be conducted in a culturally appropriate way where Indigenous Fijian and Fiji Indian cultures are worked with, and benevolently paternal administrators and coaches are not cast aside or marginalized.