Samoa

The Samoan man was arrested and charged with importing 1.4kg of methamphetamine hidden inside a box of frozen chicken on Saturday.

But La'aulialemalietoa Polataivao Leuatea Schmidt says "I have far more better duties to serve Samoa" than respond to Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi.

An executive member of the Journalists Association of Samoa says Prime Minister La'aulialemalietoa's decision to ban the Samoa Observer from press conferences came as a shock. Audio

The Samoa Observer editor says "we're not fighting the government" and "we're trying to do a job" to hold government to account. Audio

Manu Samoa have made six changes to their lineup that beat Namibia ahead of Wednesday morning's winner-take-all Final Qualification Tournament clash against Belgium in Dubai.

The ban on Samoa Observer comes as La'aulialemalietoa faces legal pressure and growing questions over transparency after a heated confrontation with media at his home.

The non-governmental organisation, which supports vulnerable women and children, said it is "deeply honoured" to receive the news from Buckingham Palace.