FIFA rankings considered in PNG-Fiji friendlies: Kapi Natto

PNG Captain Faith Kasiray (second from left) and Fiji Captain Jotivini Tabua (second from right) posing with match officials (Image: Supplied)

The current rankings of both PNG and Fiji on the FIFA women's rankings are under the microscope at the moment, as both countries battle it out in two FIFA-sanctioned friendly matches.

FIFA-sanctioned PNG Football Association and Fiji Football Association agreed that the friendly matches would be played on dates falling under the FIFA window on the FIFA calendar, therefore, the two matches were scheduled for Friday, May 30th, and Monday, June 2nd.

PNG Football Association President John Kapi Natto explained that with these two matches slated on the FIFA calendar dates, rankings are taken into consideration.

Currently, the PNG women's national football team is ranked 56, the highest amongst all Pacific Island countries, while Fiji is ranked 72.

"A lot of people wanted us to have the games played on Saturday or Sunday, but then Fiji applied for a FIFA window or FIFA days in the calendar, and so the two games were scheduled for Friday, May 30th, and Monday, June 2nd," Kapi Natto explained.

"Fiji Football Association requested that they want to gain points; therefore, these two games are FIFA-sanctioned matches, so if you win, you gain points, and if you lose, you drop.

According to Inside FIFA, it states that a friendly match does contribute to FIFA rankings, but has a lesser weight than competitive matches, especially qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Kapi Natto also expressed the PNG Football Association's excitement in hosting the two friendlies, as it gives attention to women's football in the country and the Oceania region.

"I am very happy that we are hosting these two friendly matches, and I am grateful towards the Fiji Football Association as well," he added.

"Both PNG and Fiji have proven to be the top teams playing in the finals in many instances, so it is good that both national teams participate in such friendlies.

"PNG and Fiji are two rivals in women's football in Melanesia, the Pacific, and the Oceania level, so it's fitting to have these two friendly games."

PNG Football Association also extended its acknowledgement to ICT Minister Timothy Masiu, who has shown support in helping promote women's football in the country through the NBC, broadcasting games.

The first friendly on Friday ended with a 2-all draw, and the second friendly is scheduled for tomorrow [Monday, June 2nd], 3 pm kick-off time.