President Natto urges Government to settle MSG outstanding bills

The Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) President, John Kapi Natto, has confirmed that Papua New Guinea will not participate in the 2026 Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Prime Minister's Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted by Fiji from September 17 to October 3, 2026. 

President Natto said PNGFA will not assemble a national team for the tournament until all outstanding player allowances, prize money, reimbursements, and related financial commitments arising from previous MSG Prime Minister's Cup tournaments have been fully settled. 

The outstanding payments relate to: 

1. The 2024 MSG Prime Minister's Cup in the Solomon Islands, including all outstanding player and team official allowances; 

2. The 2025 MSG Prime Minister's Cup hosted in Papua New Guinea, where the PNG Bilums made history by winning the inaugural women's title and the PNG Kapuls finished runners-up in the men's competition, including all outstanding player and team official allowances; 

3. Outstanding reimbursements owed to the PNG Football Association and stakeholders who contributed financially or in-kind towards the successful staging of the 4th MSG Prime Minister's Cup in Papua New Guinea; and 

4. All financial commitments relating to PNG's participation in the 2026 competition must be secured and facilitated before any national team's departure. 

President Natto said the decision was not taken lightly and reflects PNGFA's commitment to protecting the welfare, dignity, and interests of players and officials who have represented Papua New Guinea with distinction on the regional stage. 

"This has been a very difficult decision, but it is a decision that must be made in the best interests of our players,” Natto said.  

"Our players and officials have represented Papua New Guinea with pride, discipline, and commitment. They fulfilled their obligations to the country, and it is only fair that commitments made to them are honored in return. 

"PNGFA cannot in good conscience request players and officials to participate in another MSG Prime Minister's Cup while allowances, reimbursements, and other agreed entitlements from previous tournaments remain unpaid." 

The PNGFA President said the association's position is consistent with good governance principles and its responsibility as the national governing body for football in Papua New Guinea. 

As a FIFA Member Association, PNGFA has a duty to safeguard and promote football, protect the interests of players, and administer the game responsibly and transparently for the benefit of all stakeholders. FIFA Statutes further recognize the independence and responsibilities of member associations in managing football affairs within their respective territories. 

President Natto emphasized that PNGFA remains fully supportive of the MSG Prime Minister's Cup and the role it plays in strengthening football and regional unity across Melanesia. 

"This decision should not be interpreted as opposition to the MSG Prime Minister's Cup, the MSG Secretariat, OFC, FIFA, or our Melanesian neighbors,” he explained.  

"We value the tournament and appreciate the important contribution it makes to football development, regional friendship, and cultural cooperation throughout Melanesia. 

"However, PNGFA also has a duty of care to the players and officials who have sacrificed their time and effort to represent our nation. Their welfare and entitlements cannot be overlooked." 

The MSG Prime Minister's Cup regulations recognize the tournament as an MSG-endorsed competition sanctioned by the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and governed in accordance with applicable football regulations under FIFA. 

President Natto added that PNGFA remains hopeful that discussions with the relevant authorities and stakeholders will lead to a timely resolution. 

"We remain ready and willing to participate once all outstanding obligations have been resolved,” he said.  

"Our players have delivered success for Papua New Guinea. The PNG Bilums' historic title victory and the performances of the PNG Kapuls have brought immense pride to our nation. Those achievements deserve recognition through the fulfilment of commitments made to them." 

PNGFA remains committed to the continued growth and development of football throughout Papua New Guinea, thanking the members, players, officials, partners, sponsors, supporters, and the wider football community for their continued understanding and support. 

PNGFA will continue to advocate for the welfare of its national players and officials while working constructively with all stakeholders toward a satisfactory resolution of the outstanding matters.