PNG footballers face ban

By PARKER TAMBUA
MEMBERS of the national men’s football team who had reportedly been involved in drinking incident at the Samoa Pacific Games will face disciplinary actions before the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League season kicks off, according to the Papua New Guinea Football Association.
General secretary Dimirit Mileng confirmed in Port Moresby yesterday that the PNGFA board had written to every players involved, outlining the kind of penalty imposed on them.
Unlike the women’s side who won gold after retaining their Games title, the men’s team finished the tournament without a medal following their loss to Fiji in the bronze playoff.
“We have written letters to all the players involved in the incident,” Mileng said, without releasing their names.
“The letters contain what kind of penalties they face.
“We will not reveal the details of the penalties until every player involved has received their letter.”
PNGFA president John Kapi Natto condemned the actions of the players.
He said discipline was key in every sport and football had no place for such players.
“Discipline is a key area of every sport in the country and all throughout the world,” Kapi Natto said.
“If our players are not disciplined whether on official trips or in the Kumul Petroleum National Soocer League, they will be totally cut off.
“Every player involved will be suspeneded.
“Some will be suspended for a longer term than others.
“We are looking at building an elite group of young players in the new conference competition that will kick off.
“There is no room for ill-discipline.
“Football is the global game with high discipline and we have to maintain that.”
He said that because of issues involved with player discipline in the current side, national selectors were looking at fielding a new-look men’s team next year.