SIR IGNATIUS KILAGE STADIUM UNFIT TO HOST MSG CUP

BY LETHISA KOLOKOL

The Papua New Guinea Football Association says Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae, Morobe Province would not meet the required standards for hosting intentional matches by the scheduled date of the Melanesian Spearhead Group Prime Minster’s Cup.

In a statement released on Saturday 7th November 2025, the PNGFA President, Mr John Kapi Natto says the MSG Cup is under the purview of the MSG Cup Host Organising Committee (HOC), PNGFA is only providing technical coordination of the team and match operations.

Mr Kapi Natto stated that the decision to cancel the fixtures for Lae, follows comprehensive venue assesments by the HOC in consultation with the certified technical officers.

He says the assesment found that most of the facilities at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium were incomplete and unfit to use, including the dressing rooms, outdoor track, field of play, grandstand, interior and outdoor stands and entry areas.

Mr Kapi Natto adds that these assesments are in compliance with the international standards especially FIFA guidelines and stadium safety and security regulations and the IFAB Laws of the game.

The Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium is currently undergoing maintenance works, and given the state of the venue, the HOC has concluded that the stadium could not meet the standards with the available timeframe.

Futhermore, the MSG Cup HOC says all tournament matches will be hosted in Port Moresby, across the Sir John Guise Stadium and the PNGFA Stadium which are fully certified and event ready.