PNGFA unable to assist

By PATRICIA KEAMO
THE Papua New Guinea Football Association says it is unable to help fund Lae City’s Oceania Football Confederation Champions League campaign, but can only provide technical assistance.
General secretary Pius Letenge’s response came after The National put it to him that City were representing his association and the country in their bid to qualify for the Fifa Club World Cup later this year.
“We (association) do not have a budget for the tournament as our budget only caters for the national teams,” he said.
“But the confederation takes care of funding while we provide technical support.”
Meanwhile, the confederation confirmed with this paper on Tuesday that clubs competing in the tournament, including City, were responsible for their own expenses other than logistics.
“The confederation covers the cost of return flights for up to 33 people from their home city to Auckland, New Zealand,” the confederation said in an email.
“We also provide airport-to-hotel transfers for the teams as well as daily transfers for the teams from the hotel to the training venue, or hotel to match venue on match days.
“Each team is responsible for the cost of their accommodation and meals, as well as any incidental costs they might incur during their time in the host country.”
Meanwhile, City head coach Morris had told this paper earlier that the club had been fully backed by Lae Biscuit Company.
“Our sponsor, Lae Biscuit Company is paying for everything,” he said.
“With the support and motivation of our sponsor, I believe we will be very competitive in the tournament,” Morris said earlier this week.
City have arrived in Auckland and are preparing for their opener against Vanuatu’s Galaxy at Ngahue Reserve today.