Cancellation of MSG Cup games in Lae clarified
The eleventh-hour decision to cancel the MSG Prime Ministers Cup games in Lae and hold all games in Port Moresby drew a lot of criticism on social media when the news broke last Thursday.
Responding to feedback on social media, the PNG Football Association and the MSG Prime Ministers Cup Host Organising Committee [HOC] released separate statements yesterday to provide further clarity on the decision made.
PNGFA clarified that it had no involvement in the venue selection or cancellation decision which came from the Host Organizing Committee.
"The decision was made in the best interest of ensuring a safe, world-class tournament experience for players, officials, and supporters alike," the statement read.
The HOC further reiterates that PNGFA’s role remains limited to technical coordination of teams and match operations, and it had no involvement in venue selection or cancellation decisions.
Following a comprehensive venue assessment conducted by the Host Organizing Committee in consultation with certified technical officers, it was determined that the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium would not meet the required standards for hosting international football matches by the scheduled start date of 10 November 2025.
The following are the key findings from the venue assessment of Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae:
- Dressing Rooms: Shower blocks, toilet fittings, and windows have been removed and are pending replacement. Floor tiles require reinstallation, and repainting and door replacements remain incomplete.
- Outdoor Track: Resurfacing works are ongoing, with specialized personnel arriving from China only on 11 November 2025. Construction materials are scattered around the stadium precinct.
- Field of Play: While artificial turf has been laid, final surface preparation and line marking are incomplete.
- Grandstand and Interior: VIP and media zones are unfinished, with repainting and floor refurbishments still underway.
- Outer Stands and Entry Areas: Construction containers and machinery obstruct spectator zones and car parks. Entry and exit routes are not yet properly established.
In compliance with international standards, the decision to relocate the tournament aligns with the following:
- FIFA Stadium Safety and Security Regulations mandate that venues must ensure spectator safety, emergency preparedness, and operational integrity [Articles 7–10].
- FIFA Stadium Guidelines, which emphasize technical readiness, accessibility, and broadcast capability as prerequisites for hosting sanctioned events.
- IFAB Laws of the Game, which require that the field of play be clearly marked and safe for competition [Law 1: The Field of Play].
- ISO 20121:2012 [Event Sustainability Management Systems] and ISO 45001:2018 [Occupational Health and Safety], which guide the safe and sustainable delivery of large-scale sporting events.