Administrative oversight behind PSL finals blunder
An administrative oversight by the Papua New Guinea Football Association [PNGFA] in the lead-up to the 2025 OTML Premier Soccer League [PSL] finals has been identified as the cause of a major football blunder that sparked widespread criticism within the football fraternity.
PNGFA General Secretary Armjad Tekwie told NBC News the matter has been addressed internally, with measures being put in place to prevent a repeat of what he expressed as unprofessional conduct.
Tekwie confirmed the association failed to properly communicate with minor premiers Lae City FC, resulting in the team travelling from Lae to Port Moresby, only to discover their scheduled opponents, Hekari United, would not take the field in the third-fourth place playoff on Sunday, December 14.
Following the forfeiture, Lae City FC publicly criticised both Hekari United and PNGFA, calling for an explanation and reimbursement of costs incurred.
Lae City FC Manager Dennis Kossie Java told NBC News the club spent an estimated K30,000 during their three-day stay in the nation’s capital from Friday, December 12, to Monday, December 15.
In response, Tekwie said PNGFA is reviewing Lae City FC’s concerns, with a decision to be formally communicated to the club’s management.
Reflecting on the events that led to Hekari United’s no-show, Tekwie said late changes to competition decisions were the core issue.
“This was a trickle-down effect of an administrative issue within the organisation,” he said.
“At the start of the week before the finals draw was released, we communicated to all stakeholders that only the grand final would be played, and that there would be no third-fourth playoff due to financial constraints.”
“That decision was communicated on Monday, December 8, and Tuesday, December 9. However, later in the week, changes were made and we decided to also include the third-fourth playoff.”
Tekwie said by that time, Hekari United had already dispersed their squad and were unable to regroup the team in time.
“As a result, they opted not to take the field and agreed that third place be awarded to Lae City FC,” he said.
“This was communicated to PNGFA 48 hours before match day, but it was a failure on our part to relay that information to Lae City.”
Under the OTML Premier Soccer League regulations, Hekari United will be penalised for forfeiting the match. Tekwie confirmed the club has submitted a formal report explaining their absence.
“They have responded, and based on that response, our findings will be submitted to the Executive Committee, who will determine the appropriate penalty,” he said.
“Most definitely, it will be a fine.”
Tekwie said details of the penalty will be released to the media later this week.
NBC News has sighted the PSL Competition Regulations, which stipulate under Section Two that any team forfeiting a match is liable to a financial penalty.