The Papua New Guinea Football Association says rebel league clubs will not be welcome in the National Soccer League.
A breakaway National Premier League was launched this year by the newly-formed Football Federation PNG, which is not recognised by FIFA or Oceania Football.
It features 12 teams across two conferences, including six clubs who previously competed in the NSL: Hekari United, Morobe FC, Rapatona FC, Erema FC, Gigira Amoana FC (formerly Gigira Laitepo United) and Admiralty FC.
Hekari United players celebrate scoring a goal against Tafea FC in the 2015 OFC Champions League. Photo: Oceania Football
The 2017 National Soccer League kicked off at the start of May in Madang after a series of delays.
Six teams are competing in a shortened campaign, including defending champions Lae City Dwellers.
The Competitions Manager for the PNG Football Association, Simon Koima, expected that number to grow next season.
"I'm confident that they will all stay and there will be more teams coming in (to the National Soccer League next season)," he said.
"We have not asked (the current clubs) to sign any contracts but we are confident they will remain because we (at the PNG Football Association) are the legitimate body and we have very good support but yes they will come again next season."
PS Huawei FC celebrate the winning goal in their National Soccer League match against Madang FC. Photo: PNG Football Association
PS Huawei are top of the NSL standings after two rounds following victories against Madang FC and Besta PNG United.
A seventh team, Southern Strikers, have been withdrawn from the competition but Simon Koima said they are welcome to re-enter when the 2017-18 season starts later in the year.
Simon Koima said players representing teams such as Hekari United in the rebel competition are free to switch to National Soccer League clubs at the end of the current season but the PNGFA will not allow rebel clubs to rejoin the competition.
He said only players competing in the National Soccer League will be eligible for selection for the national team, the PNG Kapuls, who will play home and away 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Solomon Islands in June.
