NSL is calling on franchise clubs to submit their expression of interest with a fee of K5000 before closure of business at 5:00 pm today.
This is limited to only five for the Southern Region and five for Northern Region with preference to those that address all affiliation criteria.
Criteria includes franchise clubs being incorporated as a company and being registered with IPA, and there is to be no conflict of ownership.
Clubs must either have their home ground or demonstrate their ability to have their own ground within three years.
They must also be able to adequately demonstrate their ability to meet all financial commitments during the season.
The annual affiliation fee is K60,000 and must be paid before 30 October. The franchises are also asked to submit their master list of players including the team management with two original passport size photos by 30 October. These must be hand delivered.
Ten franchise clubs have expressed interest in participating in so far.
They are Besta PNG United FC, Admiralty FC, last season’s minor premier Hekari United FC, champion Lae City Dwellers FC, runner-up Madang FC, and newcomers PS Huawei FC, Erema FC, Gigira Laitepo FC, Morobe United FC and PKA Rapatona FC.
Gigira Laitepo is making a comeback after missing out last season.
Four franchise have shown interest but have yet to submit in their expression of interest. They are FC Port Moresby, Lakatoi FC, Goroka FC and Tavur FC.
The TNSL board with endorsement from PNGFA advised that all franchise teams will be responsible for travel and accommodation costs out of the normal regional competition except for the semi-finals and grand final.