SIFF in pursuit of Lawson Tama

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

SOLOMON Islands Football Federation (SIFF) says they are exploring their response to Honiara City Council’s (HCC) termination of their lease of Lawson Tama.

In a statement to SunSPORTS, SIFF President Willie Lai said one of their options is going to the courts.

“SIFF believes the lease signed with HCC is still valid,” Lai said.

“Therefore, the termination is only one side of the story from HCC,” he added.

He revealed that the national government has shown interest to help solve the issue.

 “This is to avoid delay in the Pacific Games 2023 facilities development,” the president said.

“If this option fails, then we go to court,” he added.

“Although the court process may take a while, we believe it is in the public interest to stage a legal challenge.”

The government through the National Sports Council (NSC) has said that SIFF has yet to approach them on the issue.

“It’s a tough situation here, and we are aware of it,” NSC Chairman Joe Sika said.

 “SIFF hasn’t approached us directly to date to mediate between them,” he added.

“I’m aware also that what HCC tries to do is also in the interest of sports, we just hope that they come to an amicable understanding which will work for both parties and sports,” Sika said.

However, he says the issue is between the landlord and the tenant and it will be quite difficult to interfere.

The short term Lawson Tama proposed deal settlement for the resumption of the Telekom S League (TSL) 2020/2021 Seasons has left SIFF to seek compensation from HCC for the developments done at the stadium over the years.

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