Hekari United owner John Kapi Natto is moving ahead with plans to launch a new football federation in Papua New Guinea.
Hekari United players celebrate scoring a goal against Tafea FC. Photo: Oceania Football
It follows his suspension from the Papua New Guinea Football Association and the disqualification of Hekari United from the OFC Champions League.
That decision, earlier this month, came after the PNG Football Association filed a complaint following numerous derogatory public statements regarding the association made by Mr Kapi Natto.
The Oceania Football Confederation said Mr Kapi Natto also made statements and organised meetings related to the formation of a new football association and a rival national league competition.
Mr Natto said his plans for a rival governing body for football in PNG had wide support.
"The twelve presidents gave me an endorsement to pursue these we will not bow down and I know I am taking all the shots all the arrows for what is happening," he said.
"I lost everything...everything is gone but I will stand for what is right that democracy of football must uphold in this country."
Mr Kapi Natto traveled to Lae in the Morobe province and said the support he received was overwhelming, with thousands turning up.
He is planning to visit Southern Region, New Guinea Islands and the Highlands Region.
"The proposed name is Football Federation PNG, I'm not going to show you the logo and structure but next week I got twelve presidents flying into Port Moresby and they will endorse this structure," said Kapi Natto.
The new federation is expected to be launched this week with a new tournament to begin in March.
