President of the Lae Football Association (LFA), Mr. Roy Kamen is calling for a comprehensive audit into the allocation and utilization of funds provided by FIFA to the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Football Association (PNGFA).
Mr. Kamen’s call for scrutiny was in response to the FIFA GO FORWARD report of 2023. The report disclosed that the PNGFA had been allocated K42.43 million and had received K36.7 million between 2016 and 2022.
Kamen stated that the substantial financial support is not visible for football development, a lack of significant infrastructure and youth pathway initiatives.
He highlighted that member associations had reportedly only received nominal sums, such as approximately K20, 000 for COVID-19 relief in 2020 or 2021.
“This is raising questions about the transparency and accountability of fund distribution within the PNGFA.”
Referring to the FIFA “Go Forward” Report, Kamen outlined the breakdown of funds designated for various aspects of football development in PNG:
• 2.9 million US dollars for Administration and Governance,
• 2.7 million US dollars for National Teams,
• 1.7 million US dollars for Infrastructure,
• 0.9 million US dollars for Equipment and other necessities,
• 0.6 million US dollars for Women’s Football,
• 0.6 million US dollars for Capacity Building, and
• 0.3 million US dollars for Competitions.
Additionally, Kamen’s concerns were further fueled by the underwhelming performance of PNG Football in international tournaments, which he attributed, at least in part, to funding issues.
He called upon President, Mr. John Kapi Nato to convene an urgent meeting of PNGFA Member Association Presidents to address questions on funding allocation, national team preparations, development pathways, facilities enhancement, and allegations of conflicts of interest within the management of the PNGFA.
Kamen also stressed the need for transparency, accountability, and collective action to resolve existing challenges and revitalize football in PNG.
However, should the PNGFA fail to provide a satisfactory audit of the funds, Mr. Kamen reminds that FIFA has the power to intervene to ensure accountability for the utilization of funds in football associations worldwide, including PNG.