News
Overseas Football Players who are eligible to Represent Sri Lanka
There are currently numerous players with strong Sri Lankan roots who play football in Overseas Leagues. Football Sri Lanka has kept a close eye on all these players, tracking their progress and skill levels to see which players can bring a positive impact to the Sri Lankan National Team
The following five players have already applied for dual citizenship and started the necessary processes of making it into the National squad, while the rest are yet to start any such procedures;
Players who are already applied for the Dual Citizenship to represent the National Team
- Hamilton O Mervyn

Age : 32 yrs. (DOB: 8 Oct 1988)
Height : 6’
Citizenship : British
Position : Midfield
Current club : Whitehawk FC
League : Whitehawk FC is a Semi Professional, non-league English football club based in Whitehawk, a suburb of the city of Brighton & Hove, East Sussex. Whitehawk FC play in the Isthmian South East Division (English non-league step 4 – Level 8)
Category : Sri Lankan Mother
2. Reef Sebastian Peries

Age : 19 yrs (DOB: 30 Oct. 2001)
Height : 5’ 11”
Citizenship : British
Position : Right Wing Back
Current club : Woking FC (Academy Team)
League : Woking Football Club is a semi-professional association football club, based in Woking, Surrey, England. Founded in 1889, the club plays its home matches at Kingfield Stadium and is nicknamed the Cardinals. Currently, they compete in the National League, the fifth tier of English football.
Category : Sri Lankan Grandparent
3. Ryan Anthony Peries

Age :18 yrs (DOB: 20 Jul 2002)
Height : 6’ 2”
Citizenship : British
Position : Midfield
Current club : Bournemouth University FC
Category : Sri Lankan Grandparent
4. Haneef Mohamed Haseef Mohamed

Age : 27 yrs (DOB: 23 Aug 1993)
Height : 5’ 6”
Citizenship : Switzerland
Position : Left / Right Winger, Attacking Midfielder
Current club : FC Engstringen
League : FC Engstringen plays in the Football Association of the Zurich Region FVRZ 3rd League of Swiss Football Association.
Category : Sri Lankan Father & Mother
5. Vigneswaran Dagsan

Age : 16 yrs (DOB: 02 May 2004)
Height : 6’
Citizenship : Switzerland
Position : Center Back / Midfielder
Current club : Lausanne Sport
League : FC Engstringen plays in the Football Association of the Zurich Region FVRZ 3rd League of Swiss Football Association.
Category : Sri Lankan Father & Mother
Players who are eligible to apply for the Dual Citizenship to represent the National Team
- Claudio Matthias

Age : 21 yrs (DOB: 7 July 1999)
Height : 6’ 1”
Citizenship : Deutsch (German)
Position : Center Back, Left Back, Right Back
Current club : SC Freiburg
League : Sport-Club Freiburg e.V., commonly known as SC Freiburg, is a German football club, based in the city of Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg. It plays in the Bundesliga. SC Freiburg II is the reserve team of German association football club SC Freiburg plays in the Regionalliga Südwest (English: Regional League Southwest) is the fourth tier of the German football league system in the states of Hesse, Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland. It is one of five leagues at this level, together with the Regionalliga Bayern, Regionalliga Nordost, Regionalliga Nord, and the Regionalliga West.
Category : Sri Lankan Mother
2. Canistan Regize

Age : 23 yrs (DOB: 25 Mar 1997)
Height : 5’ 7”
Citizenship : French
Position : Midfielder
Current club : FC Montceau, Boergogne
League : Football Club Montceau Bourgogne is a French association football team founded in 1948. They are based in Montceau-les-Mines, Bourgogne, France and are currently playing in the Championnat National 3. The league serves as the fifth division of the French Football League.
Category : Sri Lankan Father & Mother
3. Kelly Garrett Christopher

Age : 24 yrs (DOB: 13 Apr 1996)
Height : 6’ 1”
Citizenship : British
Position : Central Midfield
Current club : Almyros Gaziou FC (Greece)
League : Almyros Gaziou FC plays in the Gamma Ethniki the fourth highest football league in Greece.
Category : Sri Lankan Mother
4. Manimeldura Leon Perera

Age : 23 yrs (DOB: 1 Jan 1997)
Height : 5’ 8”
Citizenship : Deutsch (German)
Position : Central Midfield
Current club : MTV Treubund Lüneburg
League : MTV Treubund Lüneburg competes in the Landesliga Lüneburg, called the Bezirksoberliga Lüneburg from 1979 to 1994 and 2006 to 2010, is the sixth tier of the German football league system and the second-highest league in the German state of Lower Saxony.
Category : Sri Lankan Father
5. Tiffan Anthonypillai

Age : 18 yrs. (DOB: 21 Sep 2002)
Height : 5’ 7”
Citizenship : Canadian
Position : Right Back
Current club : Cs Saint-Laurent, Montréal,Canada
Category : Sri Lankan Mother
6. Chikereuba Tochokwu Francis

Age : 27 yrs (DOB: 24 Apr 1993)
Height : 6’ 3”
Citizenship : Nigerian
Position : Central Defender
Current club : Java Lane SC, Colombo
League : Champions League – Sri Lanka
Category : Sri Lankan Spouse & Children
7. Poopathithasan Nilooshan

Age : 19 yrs (DOB: 19 Jul 2001)
Height : TBC
Citizenship : Deutsch (German)
Position : TBC
Current club : TBC
Category : Sri Lankan Mother
Furthermore, Waseem Razeek and his brother Muzakir Razeek already eligible to represent the country.
Football
Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 Kicks Off in Grand Style!
Colombo, October 9, 2025 – The wait is finally over! The Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 1st Eleven Football Challenge Trophy 2025 officially kicked off on October 4th with a spectacular start, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s school football journey.

Organized under the guidance of the Ministry of Education and in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Schools Football Association (SLSFA), the event is proudly organized and broadcast by Sri Lankan Sports TV (SLSTV). The tournament showcases the best of young Sri Lankan football talent from across the island, with 16 leading Division I schools vying for national glory.
Tournament Overview
The competition features 16 top football schools divided into four groups (A–D), competing in 24 matches during the group stages.
Following the intense group battles, the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, followed by semi-finals and the grand finale scheduled for November 9, 2025.
The opening day witnessed Gateway College and St. Joseph’s College, Colombo setting the tone with a thrilling curtain-raiser, while matches in Gampola, Eravur, Kalutara, and Jaffna are already electrifying local crowds with football fever.
Group Line-up
Group A
- Zahira College, Colombo
- Darrusalam College
- Gampola Zahira College
- Kingswood College, Kandy
Group B
- Aligar Central College, Eravur
- Kalutara Muslim Central College
- Maristella College, Negombo
- Royal College, Colombo
Group C
- St. Joseph’s College, Colombo
- St. Patrick’s College, Jaffna
- St. Benedict’s College, Colombo
- Gateway College
Group D
- Hameed Al Husseinie College, Colombo
- Al Falah College, Negombo
- Baduriya Central College, Mawanella
- Waddakachchi Central College, Kilinochchi
Key Fixtures
- Oct 4: Gateway College vs St. Joseph’s College (City League, 2.00 PM)
- Oct 6: Zahira College vs Darrusalam College (City League, 4.30 PM)
- Oct 9: St. Benedict’s College vs Gateway College (University Grounds)
- Oct 12: St. Patrick’s College vs St. Benedict’s College (City League, 3.30 PM)
- Oct 19: St. Patrick’s College vs St. Joseph’s College (Jaffna Durayappa, 4.00 PM)
- Oct 25–26: Quarter Finals
- Nov 2: Semi Finals
- Nov 9: 3rd Place Match & Grand Final
Proud Partners Behind the Tournament
The success of the Ball Blaster 2025 is powered by the commitment and partnership of Sri Lanka’s leading brands:
- 🧴 Title Sponsor: Lifebuoy Bodywash – Promoting health, hygiene, and youth empowerment through sport.
- 🥤 Refreshing Partner: Elephant House Lemonade – Keeping players and fans refreshed throughout the intense tournament.
- ✈️ Travel Partner: Sky Market Travel – Supporting smooth team travel and logistics across the island.
- 👕 Clothing Partner: Aacty Wear – Outfitting players, officials, and referees with professional-grade sportswear.
A Celebration of Youth Football
“The Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 is not just a tournament—it’s a celebration of youth, energy, and sporting excellence,” said the organizing team of Sri Lankan Sports TV. “With the support of our sponsors and partners, we are elevating the standard of school football in Sri Lanka and inspiring the next generation of athletes.”
Watch the Action Live
Fans can experience every thrilling moment of the Ball Blaster 2025 through Sri Lankan Sports TV’s exclusive coverage, including:
🎥 Live match broadcasts
📸 Highlights and interviews
📲 Digital updates on social media
👉 Visit Sri Lankan Sports TV Online for full fixtures, results, and exclusive stories.
The Future of School Football
The Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 has already captured the hearts of fans nationwide. With passion, teamwork, and the roar of young lions on full display, the journey toward the championship promises unforgettable footballing moments that define the future of the game in Sri Lanka.
Football
Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025: Sri Lanka’s Biggest School Football Showdown Gears Up
Colombo, September 19 – The countdown is on for the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 1st Eleven Football Challenge Trophy 2025, the most anticipated school football tournament of the year, set to bring together the best young footballing talent from across Sri Lanka.

Organized under the guidance of the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Schools Football Association (SLSFA), and broadcast by Sri Lankan Sports TV, the championship is expected to raise the standard of school football while creating unforgettable memories for players and fans alike.
Tournament Structure
This year’s edition will feature 16 Division 1 schools, divided into four groups of four teams. Over the course of the first round, a total of 24 matches will be played across Colombo, starting in the first week of October with a grand opening ceremony at 2:00 pm.
- Opening Match: Hameed Al Hussaini College vs. Al Falah College, Negombo
- Curtain Raiser: Zahira College, Colombo (defending champions) vs. Darrussaalam College, Colombo
The top two teams from each group will progress to the quarter-finals, followed by the semi-finals, before the Grand Finale in the first week of November. The final venue will be chosen based on the teams that qualify, ensuring equal support and excitement from school fans.
Sponsorship Partnerships

A strong line-up of sponsors is powering Ball Blaster 2025, making it a professionally executed tournament.
- Title Sponsor – Lifebuoy: Leading the way, Lifebuoy continues to champion youth empowerment through sport, health, and hygiene, reinforcing its mission to build healthier, more active communities.

- Refreshing Partner – Elephant House Lemonade: A timeless favorite in Sri Lankan households, Lemonade will keep players and fans refreshed as the heat of competition rises.

- Official Travel Partner – Sky Market Travel: Supporting the smooth logistics of the event, ensuring school teams across regions can fully focus on their football journey.

- Official Clothing Partner – Aacty Wear: Outfitting players, referees, and officials with professional, stylish gear that elevates the identity of school football and promotes local sportswear excellence.

First-Time Milestones
For the first time in history, the tournament has launched its very own official anthem, adding an extra layer of pride, passion, and identity to Ball Blaster 2025. The anthem’s lyrical video has already captured the excitement of fans, building momentum as kick-off draws near.
Furthermore, in a significant step towards supporting schools, the organizers have taken the initiative to provide all participating teams with playing kits and official kits. This move ensures equal opportunity and professionalism across the competition, uplifting both the players’ experience and the overall image of the championship.
A Celebration of Youth & Football
“The Lifebuoy Ball Blaster is not just a football tournament; it’s a celebration of youth, talent, and sportsmanship,” the organizers stated. “With the support of our valued partners Lifebuoy, Elephant House Lemonade, Sky Market Travel, and Aacty Wear, we are committed to elevating school football in Sri Lanka.”
Fans nationwide can look forward to live telecasts, highlights, and digital updates on Sri Lankan Sports TV, ensuring the energy of the matches reaches every corner of the country.
As excitement builds, one thing is clear – Ball Blaster 2025 is set to be more than just a tournament; it’s a stage for the next generation of Sri Lankan football stars to shine.
Football
AIFF Faces FIFA, AFC Ban Threat as October 30 Deadline Looms
Indian football is staring at yet another international suspension as FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have jointly warned the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to ratify its long-pending constitution by October 30, 2025, or risk a complete ban from world football.
In a strongly-worded two-page letter sent on Tuesday (August 26) to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, FIFA and AFC expressed “profound concern” over the failure to finalise and implement a revised constitution, a matter pending before India’s Supreme Court since 2017.
If suspended, India’s national teams and clubs would be barred from all international competitions, while the country’s ambitious 2036 Olympic Games bid in Ahmedabad could also be thrown into uncertainty.
FIFA & AFC Ultimatum
The letter, signed by FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov and AFC Deputy General Secretary Vahid Kardany, set out three urgent requirements for the AIFF:
1. Obtain a definitive Supreme Court order approving the revised constitution.
2. Ensure full compliance with FIFA and AFC statutes.
3. Formally ratify the constitution at the next AIFF General Meeting.
Failure to comply, they warned, would trigger sanctions, including full suspension of AIFF membership.
Previous Suspension in 2022
This is not the first governance crisis to hit Indian football. In August 2022, FIFA suspended the AIFF for “third-party interference” after a court-appointed Committee of Administrators temporarily ran the federation. That ban lasted just two weeks, lifted only after fresh elections were held in which Kalyan Chaubey defeated football legend Bhaichung Bhutia.
Domestic Fallout – ISL in Crisis
The deadlock has already disrupted Indian football at the domestic level. The Indian Super League (ISL), India’s top-tier professional league, has been put “on hold” by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the AIFF’s commercial partner, due to uncertainty over its Master Rights Agreement, which expires in December 2025.
At least three clubs have suspended operations or delayed salaries, while all 11 ISL clubs have warned of an “existential crisis.” Reports from FIFPRO further highlight cases of players’ contracts being terminated, leaving livelihoods at risk.
The Supreme Court of India will hear the matter again on August 28, a session that could determine the immediate future of the ISL and India’s football calendar.
What’s at Stake
If AIFF fails to meet the October deadline, India could lose:
• Participation in FIFA and AFC tournaments.
• Entry rights for national teams and clubs in international competitions.
• Momentum in its 2036 Olympics bid.
• Credibility with players, fans, and commercial partners.
For now, the football fraternity in India waits anxiously for the Supreme Court’s verdict and AIFF’s ability to steer through yet another governance storm
-
Football8 months ago
Sri Lanka Schools National Championship 2025: Super 8 Fixtures and Grouping
-
Live4 years ago
Live Broadcast of Syria vs Sri Lanka | AFC U23 Asian Championship Qualification
-
News9 months ago
2025 Schools Rugby Season Set to Thrill Fans with Knockout and League Action
-
Cricket4 months ago
Nuwan Thushara Shines as RCB Storms into IPL 2025 Final
-
Football9 months ago
FFSL Rebrands Division-1 as ‘League-One’ with a Bold New Vision
-
News5 months ago
Major Shake-Up in Sports Governance: New 2025 Regulations Reform National Sports Bodies in Sri Lanka
-
Football5 months ago
Sri Lanka Announces U19 Football Squad for SAFF Championship 2025
-
Cricket9 months ago
Sri Lanka’s Greatest Cricketers: Top Batters and Bowlers of All Time