Club fights ouster

 By HENRY MORABANG

PREPARATIONS are on track for the National Soccer League competition to kick off on January 11 despite a court order seeking a review of a NSL board decision. 

NSL board chairman Isaac Lupari confirmed FC Port Moresby had filed an application to review the decision of December 13 axing the side from the competition.  

Lupari said there was no court order “stopping us from proceeding with the competition”. 

He said the NSL board meeting on Dec 13 considered the club’s appeal and they were surprised by the court action.

“We were surprised because they (FC Port Moresby) had lodged their appeal and the board was going to hear it and make a decision. So the board deferred any discussion on the appeal as the matter is before the court,” he said.

The chairman said the NSL ruled that POM FC breached two statutory requirements: (1) Under NSL rules/PNGFA appeal processes were not fully exhausted. This is where an appeal is heard, and if decision is not accepted they go before an independent arbiter. 

“POM FC did not comply with these processes; they are fully aware of it. I understand under FIFA guidelines no clubs and persons can challenge decisions in the courts. If they do, then disciplinary action will be invoked.”

Lupari said now the NSL board had resolved not to hear the appeal application, until legal issues were sorted out. 

“We are now seeking legal advice on the application,” Lupari said.

The teams confirmed to take part in 2014 season are Hekari United FC, Eastern Stars FC, Oro FC, Admiralty Paliau FC – all Port Moresby and Gigira Laitepo Morobe United FC, Besta FC and newcomers Lae FC.

Attempts to contact FC Port Moresby head coach Reggie Davani were unsuccessful.