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FIFA Series Pilot Project Set to Kick Off International Football Friendlies

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In a groundbreaking move to foster global football development, FIFA is gearing up to launch the inaugural FIFA Series pilot project this March. The initiative, aligned with the Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023-2027, marks a significant stride in international football cooperation and exchange.

  • FIFA to facilitate inter-confederation friendlies during March match window of even years
  • Algeria, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka will host and organise pilot project matches
  • Initiative aims to provide member associations with key playing opportunities

Scheduled to commence during the Men’s International Match Calendar window in March 2024, the FIFA Series will feature a unique format, showcasing four national teams from diverse confederations competing in a single host country. This innovative approach aims to provide member associations with unparalleled opportunities to engage in meaningful and diverse football encounters, transcending geographical boundaries.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “The FIFA Series is a really positive step forward for national-team football at the global level.” He emphasized the importance of facilitating more frequent and significant matches, offering enhanced footballing interactions for players, teams, and fans worldwide.

The pilot phase, running from March 18 to 26, 2024, will witness the participation of teams representing all six confederations. This diverse lineup underscores FIFA’s commitment to inclusivity and equity in the sport, providing a platform for emerging footballing nations to showcase their talent on an international stage.

Among the featured teams in the upcoming FIFA Series are Algeria, Andorra, Bolivia, South Africa, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Mongolia, Tanzania, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Equatorial Guinea, Guyana, Bermuda, Brunei Darussalam, Guinea, Vanuatu, Bhutan, Central African Republic, Papua New Guinea, and Sri Lanka.

With an eye toward future editions, FIFA intends to incorporate the FIFA Series into every March international match window of even years, further solidifying its role as a catalyst for global football development.

The FIFA Series not only promises sporting excitement but also opens doors to additional commercial opportunities and exposure for participating member associations. By fostering greater collaboration and competition across continents, FIFA aims to elevate the standard of football worldwide while nurturing the growth and prosperity of the beautiful game.

As football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the kickoff of the FIFA Series pilot project, the stage is set for a new era of international football camaraderie and exchange, promising thrilling encounters and memorable moments for players and fans alike. Stay tuned for the latest updates as the global football community embarks on this transformative journey together.

Sri Lanka will host the FIFA Series in March 2024, welcoming teams from Bhutan, Central African Republic, Papua New Guinea, and itself.

Cricket

Pathum, Rizvi Shine as Delhi Capitals Outshine Mumbai Indians

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Delhi Capitals secured their second win of the IPL 2026 with a commanding 6-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium today. The highlight of the chase was the brilliant partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Sameer Rizvi, who tore through the Mumbai bowling attack with fearless stroke play.

Electing to bat first, Mumbai Indians managed a modest total of 162/6 in their 20 overs. Suryakumar Yadav top-scored with a fluent 51 off 36 balls, while Rohit Sharma contributed a brisk 35. Early wickets fell to Delhi bowlers, with Mukesh Kumar claiming two key scalps and Lungi Ngidi, Axar Patel, and Vipraj Nigam chipping in with one each. Extras also played a role, adding five to the total.

In response, Delhi Capitals faced early setbacks as KL Rahul and Nitish Rana fell cheaply. However, Pathum Nissanka counter-attacked with 44 off 30 deliveries, forming a match-turning 78-run partnership with Sameer Rizvi, who finished unbeaten on 90 from 51 balls with seven towering sixes. David Miller provided late support, ensuring Delhi chased down the target in 18.1 overs.

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Trinity Roar to President’s Trophy Glory with 58-26 Rout of Royal

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Defending league champions Trinity delivered a masterclass in attack and game management as they crushed traditional rivals Royal 58-26 to lift the Dialog President’s Trophy Knock-out last evening, claiming the title for the first time in 15 years.

From the outset, Trinity set the tone. Centre Kevin Weerakoon opened the scoring in the 7th minute, slicing through Royal’s defense after a second-phase ball, although skipper Shan Althaf missed the conversion (5-0). Royal responded with a prop forward try in the 11th minute, converted by Zimark, taking a brief 5-7 lead.

Trinity, however, quickly seized control. Winger Dimeth Abeypetiya crossed twice off slick three-quarter moves, with Althaf adding a conversion to restore a 17-7 lead. Royal’s forwards briefly threatened using rolling mauls but could only narrow the gap to 17-12.

By halftime, Trinity’s precision in loose play and clinical finishing had them comfortably ahead. Ammar Manzil and fly half Abdul Malik both touched down, giving Trinity a commanding 27-12 advantage. Malik’s creativity and vision repeatedly carved open the Royal defense, setting the stage for a dominant second half.

Trinity’s momentum never waned. Althaf scored twice early in the second stanza, converting one, to extend the lead to 39-12. The Lions’ backline fluidity and Malik’s tactical kicks kept Royal on the back foot, allowing Hamza Habdeen and Manzil to further punctuate the rout and surpass the 50-point mark in a knock-out final a record-breaking 51-12.

Royal showed resilience with two late tries, but Trinity sealed their emphatic victory when Althaf completed a hat-trick after finishing off a cross-kick from Malik, closing out a spectacular 58-26 triumph.

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Shirantha Peries Enters Race for NOC Presidency with Reform Focus on Unity, Transparency and Delivery

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Shirantha Peries, a respected businessman, sports administrator, and current Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, has officially announced his candidacy for President of the National Olympic Commitee,, presenting a clear and practical mandate to strengthen governance, unify federations, and elevate Sri Lanka’s sporting performance on the international stage.

With over four decades of professional experience, Shirantha Peries is the owner of the Mega Pharma Group of Companies, a leading pharmaceutical enterprise with an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 6 billion. His career reflects strong operational discipline, financial stewardship, and the ability to build and lead institutions at scale. He holds two MBAs from the United Kingdom and the United States, further reinforcing his strategic and leadership foundation.

“Leadership, to me, is about building systems that work, not just making promises. It is about creating structures that deliver consistently and fairly,” Peries said.

Beyond business, Shirantha has made a lasting impact on Sri Lanka’s sporting ecosystem through both infrastructure development and sports administration. He has personally invested in developing and upgrading shooting ranges in Nuwara Eliya, Katukurunda, and Payagala at the Clay Target Shooting Club of Colombo, bringing facilities up to international standards and expanding access to the sport.

In 2015, he became the first civilian President of the National Shooting Sport Federation of Sri Lanka. Over the course of his tenure until 2025, the federation experienced significant growth, with participation increasing from approximately 200 athletes to over 7,500 young participants. Under his leadership, there was a clear focus on youth development, resulting in athletes under 16 achieving national success and securing medals at Asian level competitions.

“We proved that when you invest in structure, access, and youth, results will follow. That same approach can be applied across all sports in Sri Lanka,” he added.

Shirantha currently serves as Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka and holds positions within international sporting bodies, including as an Executive Member of the Asian Shooting Confederation and as a Board Member supporting development initiatives within the International Shooting Sport Federation. He also serves as Chairman of the Lotus Tower in Colombo, reflecting his ability to operate within large scale national projects and work closely with Government stakeholders.

His journey in sport began at the age of 12, when he took up air rifle shooting under the guidance of his father. He later represented Sri Lanka at the SAF Shooting Games in 2000, winning a team silver and an individual bronze medal, giving him first hand insight into the demands of international competition.

Announcing his candidacy, Peries highlighted that Sri Lankan sport is at a defining moment, requiring stronger systems, greater unity, and transparent governance.

His mandate focuses on building a National Olympic Committee that is united in purpose, transparent in operation, and fair in opportunity. Key priorities include quarterly visibility of decisions, an open book system for funding and sponsorship opportunities, merit based eligibility frameworks, stronger athlete protection mechanisms, and structured capability development for athletes and coaches.

He also proposes the introduction of a formal feedback mechanism at Olympic House, improved accountability through defined roles and responsibilities, and closer collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and the Government of Sri Lanka.

“Sri Lankan sport does not lack talent. It lacks a system that brings that talent together, supports it consistently, and gives it a fair path to succeed,” Peries stated. “This is about building an institution that unites, operates with integrity, and delivers results that the entire country can stand behind.”

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