The Chairman of the Host Organizing Committee (HOC) for the MSG Prime Ministers Cup, Mr. Leonard Louma, officially welcomed Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) President and FIFA Senior Vice President Mr. Lambert Maltock, who is in Port Moresby to observe the remaining matches of the tournament.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Mr. Louma welcomed Mr. Maltock on behalf of the HOC and the Government of Papua New Guinea.

“I wish to reassure you that we are at your disposal and please feel free to have people attached to you to attend to the needs that you wish to be attended to,” Mr Louma Said.

“Please take time not only to watch the games but take the opportunity to visit as many places as you can here in Port Moresby.”

Mr. Louma highlighted that PNG has stepped up in hosting women’s teams in this year’s MSG Prime Ministers Cup.

He also noted that New Caledonia was unable to participate in this year’s tournament; however, discussions are underway to bring an 18-man squad to Port Moresby for a friendly match against a mixed MSG team.

Addressing public debate on the cost of hosting the tournament, Mr. Louma said people should look at the success of Melanesian countries in the Pacific Games, where winners are often from MSG nations.

He also used the opportunity to ask the OFC President whether a non-MSG country could be invited to participate in future tournaments to help enhance player development.

This would also allow future host countries to prepare for accommodating an additional team.

In response, Mr. Maltock said the tournament was an initiative of the Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat, and any decision on expanding participation would rest with the MSG.

He added that there are no restrictions on inviting external teams and noted that host countries could also benefit from indirect FIFA support to help fund the MSG Prime Ministers Cup.