Conflicting agreements, advance payments, and dual registration raise serious concerns

The ongoing dispute over the registration of Mohamed Sahi for the I League 2025 has taken a new turn, as Crystal Palace FC Gampola has stepped forward with documentary evidence and a formal complaint to tournament organizers.

In an exclusive communication with Sri Lankan Sports TV, an official from Crystal Palace FC stated that:

Sahi signed a valid agreement with our club in February 2025, shortly after obtaining his release from Eravur YSS, specifically for the purpose of joining Crystal Palace FC. We were never informed about any subsequent agreement with New Star SC

Contract Details & Advance Payment

A copy of the player agreement signed between Mohamed Sahi and Crystal Palace FC reveals the following:

• Contract signed in February 2025
• Total contract value: Rs. 215,000
• Advance payment made: Rs. 75,000
• An agreement was signed in the presence of club representatives, binding the player to Crystal Palace FC for the 2025/26 season.

This challenges New Star SC’s claim that the player signed with them on January 16 for a yearly sum of Rs. 85,000, and raises questions about the player’s transparency in dealing with both clubs.

Complaint Filed with Organizers and FFSL

Crystal Palace FC has confirmed that they have submitted a written complaint to both the I League Organizing Committee and the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL). The complaint seeks an investigation into:

• Possible breach of contract
• Lack of notification from the player regarding dual signing
• Violation of the player registration protocol

They also question how the same player ID number may have been registered under two clubs — a concern that could reveal a technical or procedural flaw in the domestic player registration system.

Champions League Conflict Brewing?

While the I League 2025 may not be immediately impacted due to tournament scope and timing, both New Star SC and Crystal Palace FC have reportedly registered Mohamed Sahi for the upcoming Sri Lanka Champions League.

If both registrations are accepted under the same ID, it could escalate into a major eligibility issue, and the FFSL might be forced to intervene to resolve the conflict before the Champions League kicks off.

New Star’s Willingness to Resolve

Despite the brewing tension, New Star SC has indicated a willingness to resolve the financial dispute. A club official told Sri Lankan Sports TV:

Mohamed Sahi is prepared to return the Rs. 75,000 advance taken from Crystal Palace FC to settle the matter amicably.

Final Word

The case of Mohamed Sahi is now more than a transfer mix-up — it reflects deeper administrative and gaps in player monitoring and registrations . As Sri Lanka’s football structure aspires for professionalism, establishing a centralized, transparent player registration system is critical to avoid such dual-signing debacles.

Club Claims Legal Ownership of Player and Denies Any Tie with Crystal Palace FC Gampola

Colombo – June 16, 2025:

New Star Sports Club has issued an official clarification to Sri Lankan Sports TV in response to recent allegations raised over the eligibility of player Mohamed Sahi, who appeared for them in the ongoing I League 2025.

The controversy began when Crystal Palace FC Gampola claimed the player had been part of their club and was not officially released to play for another side. However, New Star SC has now provided a detailed counter-statement, presenting what they claim is a legitimate and documented timeline of events.

Timeline of the Transfer (According to New Star SC)

• January 15, 2025: Mohamed Sahi was officially released by his previous club Eravur YSS.
• January 16, 2025: He signed a one-year contract with New Star SC for the 2025/26 season for a fee of Rs. 85,000. annum.
• Following this, New Star SC completed the player’s registration for the I League 2025, adhering to the official player registration guidelines and transfer protocols.

Official Documents and Tournament Committee Approval

New Star SC further stated that all relevant documentation regarding Sahi’s release, contract, and registration was submitted to the I League Tournament Committee, and the player’s inclusion in the squad was formally approved before the tournament began.

The club emphasized that:

All documents were verified by the tournament organizers, and the player was approved to participate under New Star SC. There was no contractual or regulatory tie between Mohamed Sahi and Crystal Palace FC Gampola.

On Crystal Palace FC Allegations

Responding directly to the claims by Crystal Palace FC, New Star SC clarified that:

• Mohamed Sahi had only appeared in friendly and 7-a-side games for Crystal Palace, with no official registration or contract in place.
• Therefore, any claims of ownership or breach of agreement by Crystal Palace are factually incorrect and unsupported by documentation.

Regulatory Backing

As per the I League 2025 Competition Regulations (Sections 15–17), a player is deemed eligible if:

1. They are officially released by their previous club;

2. They are duly contracted and registered within the tournament’s registration window;

3. Their documentation is verified and approved by the Tournament Committee .

If these requirements were met — as New Star SC claims — then the player was legitimately registered.

What’s Next?

While this clarification from New Star SC provides a strong rebuttal to the allegations, it remains to be seen whether the I League Tournament Committee will issue a public statement or ruling to close the matter.

New Star SC under scrutiny over fielding an ineligible player, Mohamed Sahi, without Crystal Palace FC Gampola’s release

A player registration controversy has emerged during the I League 2025 involving New Star Sports Club and Crystal Palace FC Gampola, potentially violating multiple tournament regulations.

According to reliable reports, Mohamed Sahi, who was formerly registered with Eravur YSS, joined Crystal Palace FC Gampola in February 2025 — a move publicly announced on the club’s official Facebook page.

However, during the ongoing I League tournament, the same player was found listed in the New Star SC squad, raising alarm over a potential unauthorised transfer.

Officials from Crystal Palace FC have confirmed that the club did not release Sahi for any transfer, nor were they informed about his participation with New Star SC in the I League 2025. This suggests a clear breach of both the club-player agreement and the player registration regulations outlined by the I League organizers.

The I League 2025 regulations — particularly under Section 15: Eligibility of Players and Section 16: Registration — strictly prohibit participation without proper registration and release. Clubs are required to register players within the designated transfer window and ensure full compliance with contracts and club agreements. Failure to adhere to these requirements can lead to sanctions, including disqualification and suspensions, as stipulated in the Disciplinary and Ethics Code

This is not the first time New Star SC has faced disciplinary action. In 2020, the club was suspended from the FFSL President’s Cup semi-final after a protest by Blue Eagles SC over fielding an overage U19 marquee player under alleged forged documents — a scandal that led to the resignation of a New Star official who also served on the FFSL Competition Committee.

Growing Concerns Amid Reforms

As Sri Lanka Football Federation (FFSL) and national team authorities work to rebuild the sport’s integrity and international standing, such cases of administrative malpractice threaten to undo recent progress. With the national team performing admirably and the FFSL pushing for reforms, these incidents are a stain on the domestic football system.

This incident serves as a critical reminder that transparent and ethical conduct is non-negotiable if Sri Lankan football is to move forward. The I League Disciplinary Committee is expected to take swift action to investigate and enforce appropriate sanctions if rules have been breached.