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Sahi Transfer Row Deepens: Crystal Palace FC Presents Contract, Files Complaint with FFSL

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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.

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CBL Samaposha Continues to Empower Sri Lanka’s Young Footballers for the 14th Consecutive Year

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In a remarkable display of commitment to grassroots sports development, CBL Samaposha continues its proud legacy of empowering the U14 Inter-School National Football Championship for the 14th consecutive year, reaffirming its role as one of Sri Lanka’s most consistent supporters of school-level football.

Organized by the Schools Football Association of Sri Lanka (SSFA), this year’s championship will take place across 32 regional grounds islandwide, drawing participation from over 12,000 young players representing 510 boys’ teams and 110 girls’ teams.

Provincial champions will advance to the final rounds in Galle, with matches scheduled at the Dadella Football Complex, B.T.S. School Grounds, and Galle Municipal Grounds. The grand final will be played at the Colombo Racecourse Grounds on December 13, where the nation’s most talented young players will compete for top honors.

CBL Foods’ Chief Executive Officer Mr. Manjula Dahanayake emphasized the company’s deep-rooted commitment to nurturing youth potential, saying:

“Our vision is to inspire young Sri Lankans to pursue their dreams through sport, discipline, and teamwork. Supporting this tournament helps build the next generation of leaders both on and off the field.”

SSFA CEO Mr. Iraj Wimalasuriya expressed appreciation for Samaposha’s continued partnership, stating:

“CBL Samaposha has been a true ally in our mission to strengthen school football. Their long-term commitment ensures that children from all parts of the island get an equal opportunity to play, compete, and grow.”

Adding further, Lt. Col. G.G. Anura Apevikrama, Director of Physical Education and Sports at the Ministry of Education, noted that this championship is often the first competitive experience for many budding footballers — a crucial step in building Sri Lanka’s sporting future.

As a proudly homegrown brand under CBL Plenty Foods (Pvt) Ltd, Samaposha continues to fuel the nation’s youth — both nutritionally and inspirationally — reinforcing the value of sportsmanship and unity through football.

🏆 About the Championship

  • Organizer: Schools Football Association of Sri Lanka (SSFA)
  • Sponsor: CBL Samaposha
  • Players: Over 12,000 (Boys & Girls)
  • Venues: 32 regional grounds, finals in Galle & Colombo
  • Finals Date: December 13, 2025
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Zahira College Colombo Dominate Group A — Gampola Zahira and Darussalam Battle for Second Spot

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The Group A stage of the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025 Schools Football Championship is heating up, with Zahira College Colombo emerging as the clear frontrunner after an unbeaten run in their first two matches. With six points and an impressive 8–2 goal difference, Zahira are well on course to top the group and secure a direct berth to the quarterfinals.

Zahira’s attacking flair and tactical balance have made them one of the most complete teams in this year’s tournament. Their consistent performances have set the tone in Group A, making them strong contenders for the overall title.

Behind them, the battle for the second qualifying spot is intensifying between Darussalam College and Gampola Zahira College. Both teams currently sit on three points each, but Darussalam have played one match more, leaving Gampola Zahira with a crucial game in hand.

Kingswood College, despite showing moments of promise, have struggled to convert opportunities into results and remain winless after three outings.

With two group matches remaining, the race for quarterfinal qualification is expected to go down to the wire. Zahira Colombo, the current Group A leader, will likely face Vaddakkachchi Central College (D2) from Group D in the knockout stage, while the second-placed team will meet Hameed Al Husseinie College (D1) — setting up thrilling contests ahead.

SchoolMWLDGSGAGDPoints
Zahira College, Colombo220082+66
Gampola Zahira College110031+23
Darussalam College21105503
Kingswood College3030513-80

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Hameed Al Husseinie and Vaddakkachchi Central March into Quarterfinals of Ball Blaster 2025

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The Group D stage of the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025 Schools Football Championship concluded with Hameed Al Husseinie College and Vaddakkachchi Central College sealing their spots in the quarterfinals after a fiercely contested round of matches.

Hameed Al Husseinie topped the group with an unbeaten record, securing 7 points from three matches, including two wins and one draw. Their dominance was evident with a commanding 9 goals scored while conceding only one — showcasing a solid attacking unit and disciplined defense.

Vaddakkachchi Central College earned the second qualification spot with 5 points, winning one and drawing two matches. Despite a lower goal tally of five, their consistency and composure under pressure helped them edge out Baduriya College, who finished third with four points.

Al-Falah College, meanwhile, struggled to find rhythm throughout the group stage, finishing at the bottom without a win.

According to the tournament structure, Group D winner Hameed Al Husseinie College (D1) will face Group A runner-up (A2) in the quarterfinals, while Vaddakkachchi Central (D2) will meet Group A winner, most probably Zahira College Colombo (A1) — a clash that promises thrilling football action.

As the competition intensifies, both qualifying teams from Group D will be looking to carry their momentum into the knockout rounds and make a strong statement in their quest for the prestigious Lifebuoy Ball Blaster Championship 2025 title.


🏅 Final Group D Standings

SchoolMPWLDGSGAGDPoints
Hameed Al Husseinie College320191+87
Vaddakkachchi Central College310252+35
Baduriya College311135-24
Al-Falah College3030110-90

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