According to NBC Papua New Guinea, Tkatchenko was warned about his political interference after he verbally announced the election of Steven Kami as President-elect of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football Union late last year.

In a letter sent in December, rugby's governing body asked Minister Tkatchenko to refrain from involving himself in matters surrounding the governance of rugby in the country.

Under its bylaws, World Rugby has a zero-tolerance on political interference with suspensions from regional and international tournaments a possible consequence.

NBC Papua New Guinea claimed that World Rugby will also send an observer from Oceania Rugby to attend a selected Papua New Guinea Rugby Football Union Annual General Meeting.

In response, Tkatchenko posted a response to the letter on his Facebook page.

"Considering the amount of support that the Government through my Ministry has assisted Papua New Guinea Rugby Union with, through funding, logistics and infrastructure over the last four years, I find the letter insulting," wrote Tkatchenko.

"Over the last four years since 2012, my office has funded under the 'Sports Enhancement Programme', junior rugby development programmes, local teams and clubs and rugby sevens tournaments at a total just over 400,000 Papua New Guinea Kina ($126,000/£104,000/€118,000).

"In addition we have supported our national teams international preparations and participation.

"This over four years amounts close to 500,000 Papua New Guinea Kina ($157,000/£129,000/€148,000).

"Government continues to be the primary stakeholder in sports development especially in Papua New Guinea given the socio-economic status of our country.

"Unlike other countries, 70 per cent of sports is captured in rural areas and Corporate support is very minimal, hence Governments involvement through the Sports Ministry."

World Rugby and the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football Union have both been approached for comment by insidethegames.