THE SIFF President’s Cup is now cancelled due to the Covid-19 community transmission in Honiara despite excitement building up ahead of the proposed kick-off on Tuesday 1st February at the Lawson Tama Stadium.
In a secular sent to team managers of the TSL clubs Central Coast FC, Solomon Warriors and the two provincial teams Western Tomoko and Malaita Eagles, SIFF Competitions Director Gerald Oiaka said the LOC decided to cancel the competition for the safety of players and the public.
“The organizing committee of the 2022 President Cup has decided to cancel the competition after carefully and thoroughly analyzing the current covid outbreak in Honiara and Malaita,” he said.
“The pandemic has gradually increased day by day therefore for the safety of players, officials and spectators; the President’s Cup 2022 organizing committee has resolved to comply with the oversight committee’s decision to avoid hosting an event that involves mass gathering”.
SIFF has considered other factors as well which leads to the cancellation;
- Malaita Eagles team has 75% of players not vaccinated
- Western Tomoko, 5% of players none vaccinated
- Avoid National Players getting infected with the virus.
- Avoid mass gathering
For these reasons, SIFF has decided for the best interest of football, cancelling the competition is the only solution to avoid spreading the virus. With 100% increase of positive cases in Honiara, it is advisable to stay at home, comply with Covid protocols and keep updated with the MHMS advice and instructions which will help us stay safe.
Speaking on behalf of SIFF and the organizing committee, Oiaka stated that, “we have to comply and ensure our safety is of paramount importance at this time of the pandemic. SIFF, therefore, appealed to Malaita Eagles and Western Tomoko management to look after and take care of our players’ welfare”.
SIFF will continue to support both teams financially while waiting in Honiara to return home.
Three TSL clubs have not been in camps and SIFF wishes to sincerely acknowledge their positive response and interest to participate in the President’s Cup 2022 competition. SIFF also thank various business houses who have shown interest to sponsor the event.
SIFF President William Lai said the competition will be rescheduled for a later date once the situation in Honiara gets back to normal.
SIFF PRESS RELEASE