The Football Federation of Sri Lanka’s (FFSL) governance practices remain under scrutiny, with recent revelations indicating that several critical financial and administrative issues highlighted in the Ministry’s audit report have not been adequately addressed. Despite directives from the FFSL Finance Committee meeting on July 10, 2024, little progress has been made in resolving these issues, raising concerns about accountability and transparency within the organization.

Key Issues Highlighted:

1. Unpaid Media Rights Payment of USD 10,000
   The Ministry’s audit noted a missing payment of USD 10,000 for media rights related to the SAFF Sri Lanka match, which public service media confirmed had not been received. The Finance Committee instructed that the matter be resolved promptly, yet there has been no confirmation of any progress or reimbursement to date.
2. Zolo Football Purchase Payment
   The purchase of Zolo footballs for LKR 12,775,000 from Ceylon Professional Sports Management (CPSM) remains unresolved. Made without a financial guarantee from the vendor and violating tender procedures, the Finance Committee directed that either the footballs be delivered or the funds recovered. If not resolved, the matter was to be escalated to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), but no action has been reported.
3. Unpaid Sponsorship Payment of USD 30,000
   A sponsorship payment of USD 30,000 from Public Service Media (PSM) for the Mahinda Rajapakse Trophy remains unaccounted for, as highlighted in the audit. While the Finance Committee emphasized the importance of addressing this, there have been no updates on its resolution.
4. Unsettled Payment of LKR 388,940 to a Former Staff Member
   The Finance Committee instructed the Deputy Secretary to send an email or letter demanding the payment of LKR 388,940 owed by a former staff member or initiate legal action. However, it was recently discovered that the individual in question served as a commentator for the Sri Lanka vs. Yemen match. This blatant disregard for FFSL committee decisions highlights a governance failure, with crucial directives seemingly ignored.

Governance Concerns

The repeated disregard of Finance Committee directives raises significant concerns about the internal governance and accountability within the FFSL. Despite clear instructions, unresolved financial irregularities and administrative lapses continue to undermine the organization’s credibility and its commitment to transparency.

The lack of decisive action not only casts doubt on FFSL’s leadership but also threatens to erode trust in Sri Lanka’s football administration. Immediate corrective measures are essential to ensure the organization adheres to its governance principles and maintains the integrity of the sport in the country.

As stakeholders await updates, it is imperative for the FFSL to demonstrate accountability and take concrete steps to resolve these pressing issues.