MSG Cup: Fiji–Solomon Islands 3rd/4th Playoff Abandoned After Severe Weather
MSG officials have confirmed that the Fiji–Solomon Islands 3rd/4th playoff at the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Port Moresby has been abandoned after severe weather made the pitch unplayable. The Host Organizing Committee issued the announcement through the Tournament Director’s Office shortly after the match was halted.
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| MSG Cup: Fiji–Solomon Islands 3rd/4th Playoff Abandoned After Severe Weather [Photo by MSG] |
The playoff, held in Papua New Guinea’s capital, was tied 1–1 at halftime when heavy rain and worsening ground conditions prevented the second half from kicking off. Under Section 7 of the Tournament Regulations, an automatic 30-minute suspension was triggered to allow time for conditions to improve.
After the initial delay, match officials enforced Clause 7.1.2, which allows an additional suspension period of up to 30 minutes to assess whether the field is safe for play. Despite continuous monitoring, the pitch showed no signs of recovery and remained unsafe for players.
When both suspension periods ended, the referee declared the surface unfit for continuation. In line with Clause 7.1.3, the Tournament Director officially abandoned the match, leaving the committee to determine the final outcome under competition rules.
Organizers later confirmed the result as a technical draw, stating that the decision took into account sporting integrity, tournament regulations, scheduling pressures, and operational considerations for the remainder of the competition.
The Host Organizing Committee expressed regret for the disappointment experienced by teams, fans, and officials but reiterated that safety must come first. “The safety and welfare of all athletes remains the highest priority,” the HOC stated.
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