FIFA fines PNGFA

 The Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) has been fined K22,000 and issued a warning following the withdrawal of their women’s national team from the second leg of the Oceania Football Confederation qualifying play-off match against New Zealand in Auckland earlier in the year.

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee found PNGFA liable for the violation of Article 6 (part 1 and 3e) and Article 7 (part 5) of FIFA Regulations for Olympic Football Tournaments. The relevant parties were notified of the decision last Thursday. 

Meanwhile, the PNGFA is yet to disclose the findings of its internal investigation into the failure of its officials to arrange the visas for its women’s team to New Zealand for the game.

It is understood two members of the PNGFA staff involved in the team were suspended (one later resigned) for their part, however to date PNGFA has not made a formal announcement on the matter.