Union makes stand

THE Papua New Guinea Rugby Football Union has told Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko not to politicise their annual general meeting which was scheduled for tomorrow but has now been deferred to Jan 25.
In an email circulated to the media yesterday, the PNGRFU board made its stance clear on where they stood regarding Tkatchenko’s public backing of PNG Sports Foundation executive director Peter Tsiamalili Jr’s candidacy for president.

“The minister (Tkatchenko) and the PNG Sports Foundation board have made their position very clear on the PNGSF CEO running as a candidate for president of PNGRFU,” the statement from the rugby union said.
“However with respect to the sports minister as a successful businessman and respected citizen, and in all fairness to the other sporting codes in the country; he should understand and respect the due diligence that the PNGRFU management is undertaking on all the candidates, and not bring politics into sport,” the statement said.
“The PNGRFU and us as citizens of PNG are still subject to the laws of PNG; the integrity of the organisation must be upheld.”
The statement also highlighted the worrying state of the major unions, saying they were in breach of their own constitutions.
The other issue under consideration was that of nominations and election of the PNGRFU president which was to have been one of the main agenda items at the meeting.
“In light of recent events regarding the withdrawal of nominations and a non-declaration of interest from a presidential candidate, the PNGRFU board has deferred the AGM until such time all necessary information has been received, and the management concludes its due diligence on all nominees,” the statement said. The statement said governance was a priority for the PNGRFU and for the code to move forward, this area had to be demonstrated at all levels. “Regarding the comments from Tkatchenko, we find it disrespectful that he does not acknowledge some the achievements and milestones that the organisation has achieved with very little to no government support.
“If he took the time to hear rugby union’s struggles and challenges, he would appreciate what we have accomplished with the little corporate support we have received.”