WINDHOEK, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- The ongoing dispute between the Namibia Football Association (NFA)/FIFA Normalization Committee and the Namibia Premier League (NPL) regarding the number of clubs playing in the forthcoming season is set to be resolved this week.

The NPL, which is Namibia's top football league, was due to start in August but has been delayed. The league states that Orlando Pirates, Civics and Young African were relegated last season and will not be replaced because there was no second-tier league last season due to financial constraints.

However, the NFA gave a directive to the NPL not to relegate the three teams, a move that has not been welcomed by NPL chairman Patrick Kauta, who wants the league to have 13 clubs rather that the usual 16.

In an interview with Xinhua on Wednesday, president of the NFA's Normalization Committee, Hilda Basson-Namundjebo, said the matter will receive attention this week.

"We have a key meeting with the NPL this week and that will clear up most of your questions. This week is too early for us to tell you," said Basson-Namundjebo.