Brown, speaking at the FIFA/OFC Development Seminar in Auckland today, presented the structure of Papua New Guinea’s flagship domestic competition.
“There is significant interest in the PNGFA National Soccer League with seven participating franchises. There were 13 expressions of interest from all over Papua New Guinea.
“Three teams are in Lae, four teams are based in Port Moresby, which logistically is easier to manage,” Brown said.
“The future of the competition looks promising and we have sufficient funds committed for the season ahead,” he added.
With the subject of FIFA’s Club Licensing programme detailed by FIFA Senior Manager of Member Associations, James Johnson, Brown presented the National Soccer League’s structure to fellow Oceania Member Association delegates.
“One of the key objectives of the NSL is to showcase the finest talent to perform at the highest level and give elite players the opportunity to play in the OFC arena,” Brown said.
Brown illustrated the structure that exists between the PNGFA and the seperate NSL Board, with the latter determining the policies for the domestic competition.
“The PNGFA provides referees, referee assessors, right through to Match Commissioners. The NSL Board and management team provide logistical input including where and when matches are played and what format they take.”
Brown also described the NSL’s financial model implemented under the seperate bodies, an issue that is determined by Papua New Guinea’s vast geography and rugged terrain.
“Franchised clubs are drawn from local associations and pay an expression of interest fee and affiliation fee before they can compete in the National Soccer League.
“But in recent times, we’ve reduced the affiliation fees and administration costs and asked the franchise clubs to take ownership of their own flights and accommodation,” Brown said.
The NSL board oversees the sustainability of the competition for both men and women and is comprised by representatives across a range of corporate and state personnel.
The PNGFA is represented by three board members while there is also a sponsor’s representative and seven other board members and a deputy chairman, Dan Kakaraya, completes the composition.
“The competition runs for 12 weeks, playing two rounds with the top four teams advancing to the play-offs, with prize money up for grabs for the winners.
“Income for the NSL is derived from direct corporate sponsorship with affiliaton and administrative fees with corporate fundraising launches and presentation nights,” he said.
Brown, along with a fulltime competition’s manager, is supported by part-time staff.
The PNGFA handle disciplinary issues with some input from the NSL Board.
Ends