KEY POINTS:
Fiji's netballers have returned home from the world netball championships in Auckland without their president, who faces corruption charges in Fiji.
Fiji Netball president Alice Tabete, believed to be under investigation for alleged abuse of office, was not with the team when it arrived at Nadi Airport early this morning.
Netball Fiji coaches last night confirmed that Tabete was at Auckland airport without any luggage to farewell the team, the Fiji Times reported.
The former Fiji Sports Council chief executive officer was allowed into New Zealand after she obtained a multiple visa which expires in 2010.
New Zealand immigration officials had given her clearance despite her son and husband being in Fiji's military forces, the newspaper reported.
The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) had planned to lay charges against the former Fiji Sports Council official.
FICAC deputy commissioner George Langman this week confirmed to the newspaper it had "concrete evidence" to prosecute Tabete.
There have been numerous allegations of abuse levelled at those at the helm of the Fiji Sports Council over the years, though none has been substantiated.
Fiji finished a disappointing ninth at the championship after defeating Botswana 65-20 in their final match.
- NZPA
