Sepik not getting jab but willing to follow Niupela Pasin

NATIONAL Soccer League rookies Sepik have indicated that their players and officials will not be getting the Coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine and will withdraw from the competition if vaccination is a condition to resume the season.
However, the Papua New Guinea Football Association’s competition department has assured the club that vaccination is not compulsory.
Sepik general secretary Clarence Hukahu told The National on Tuesday that club members had preferred to abide by the Niupela Pasin measures rather than getting jabbed. “All 17 Wewak-based players and coaching staff have indicated that should the vaccination be compulsory, they will not return to complete season,” he said.
“They do not intend to be vaccinated at this time, but prefer to only abide by the Government’s Niupela Pasin and Covid-19 protocols as much as possible.
“The rights of players, officials, parents, guardians and spouses will be respected at all times as such decisions may affect their welfare, health and well-being.
“When the club was started with the women’s team for 2020-2021 season, all players, parents and guardians shared the same sentiments and indicated a possible withdrawal should the competition intend to ensure vaccinations were to be carried out.
“A possible withdrawal from the competition will be the only result should a ‘no jab, no play’ policy be implemented.
“All clubs’ views must be sought by association so that the best decision will be made for the good of football in PNG.
“At the same time, the government policies as well as Fifa and Oceania Football Confederation requirements are met.
“We want clear information on vaccination, the good and bad sides.” Meanwhile, department director Roosje Suwae said the association was not in a situation to inform the club about what was good or bad about vaccination.
“This is a matter of the Health Department,” she said.
“We can only encourage you to talk to health officers, should you require any information about vaccination.”
Suwae said the association had noted the club’s concerns and would be liaising with them accordingly when given further directives from the the National Control Centre.