Football

Kusala Sarojini report exposses Massive Mismanagement Uncovered in Sri Lanka Football Federation

Published

2 months ago

July 20, 2025

Editor

A Special Inquiry Committee appointed by the Ministry of Sports has uncovered widespread financial mismanagement, administrative irregularities, and systemic corruption within the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL), leading to the country’s lowest-ever FIFA ranking

In response to years of growing concerns over the decline of football in Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs appointed a Special Inquiry Committee in February 2023 to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL).

This move followed Sri Lanka’s suspension by FIFA in January 2023 and decades of complaints from players, clubs, and stakeholders regarding alleged corruption, mismanagement, and irregular financial practices within the FFSL.

Who Conducted the Report?

The five-member Special Inquiry Committee was appointed by the then Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Hon. Roshan Ranasinghe, under powers granted by the Sports Act No. 25 of 1973. The panel was tasked with submitting a report within two months on key areas, including:

The delay in adopting a new constitution (requested by FIFA and AFC since 2014),
Misuse of funds and financial malpractice from 2018 onwards,
The proliferation of fake leagues for vote manipulation,
Irregularities in staff recruitment, administration, and tournament operations,
Recommendations for the reform and development of football in Sri Lanka.

Members of the Inquiry Committee:

Mrs. Sarojini Kusala Weerawardena – Retired High Court Judge (Chairperson)
Mr. Kingsley Fernando – Former Ministry Secretary
Mr. Sudath Nagahamulla – Retired DIG of Police
Mr. Ananda Peiris – Retired Rear Admiral
Mr. Susil Rohan Ramanayake – Independent member

Secretary to the Committee: Miss Shalini Roshana Fernando (Attorney-at-Law)

The Committee reviewed financial records, procurement practices, testimonies from over 20 witnesses including former FFSL presidents, accountants, players, and ministry officials, and scrutinized evidence from internal audits and third-party reports.

Ignored Reforms and Illegal Governance

FIFA and AFC requested constitutional reforms in 2014, but FFSL officials deliberately delayed it for nearly a decade.
The constitution was only passed on 22 September 2022, by an executive committee whose term had already expired.
A Special General Meeting was conducted without legal authority, making the constitution null under Sri Lankan law.
The 2021 FFSL elections were held without proper procedures, violating both local and FIFA rules.
The Committee noted that officials used COVID-19 as a cover, despite holding Zoom meetings and going on foreign trips.

💸 Financial Misuse on a Shocking Scale

The Committee uncovered extensive financial misconduct by successive FFSL administrations:

📉 International Grants Misused

FFSL annually received:
- USD 500,000 from FIFA
- USD 500,000 from AFC
- USD 100,000 for equipment
- USD 200,000 for air travel
Despite these funds, there was no youth football development or improvement in player welfare.

Key Financial Irregularities

Rs. 3,500 per cake was spent in 2014 during meetings.
Rs. 100 million paid to LSR Company, linked to a politician, without tender for the 2021 Four Nations Tournament.
USD 500,000 transferred during Sri Lanka’s dollar crisis in 2022, leading to an estimated Rs. 75 million loss.
230 World Cup 2022 tickets bought (Rs. 16 million), but no records on how or to whom they were sold.
48 million rupees fraud by a former FFSL officer (2013–2017) is still under-investigated.
Salaries paid to inactive coaches and ghost staff, including a coach for the under-23 team, which was never formed.
Payments to family-linked companies, friends, and political allies for catering, security, and equipment—with no procurement process.

Fake Leagues and Electoral Fraud

FFSL created and sustained “nominal leagues” — inactive football clubs and leagues used only to secure votes during elections.
Over 80% of registered leagues were inactive, yet received funding and voting rights.
Fake leagues were used to rig elections in favour of certain office-bearers.
Active leagues were ignored, with limited support for player development.

National Team and Player Development in Ruins

Sri Lanka ranks 206th out of 211 globally and last in Asia (45th).
No structured inter-school tournaments or training systems exist.
Only two local tournaments were held from 2017 to 2022.
No youth football activity (U12, U14) was recorded in 2021.
10 out of 27 national players have no full-time employment.
Coaches from abroad were hired without evaluation or contracts, with USD 6,000 monthly salaries.
The women’s national team ranks 155th out of 156 globally.

Committee Recommendations

The committee, chaired by retired High Court Judge Sarojini Kusala Weerawardena, made urgent recommendations:

Legal & Governance

Immediate forensic audit of FFSL finances.
Submit findings to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Fraud Investigation Division.
Amend the FFSL constitution to:
- Limit office terms to 4 years max
- Ban the President or Secretary from heading the Finance Committee
- Introduce strong anti-fraud measures

Football Development

Establish youth training centers in all districts.
Make it mandatory for every league to support women’s football.
Create performance-based funding for leagues and clubs.
Collaborate with the Schools Football Association for age-level competitions (U12 to U20).
Launch at least 4 international tournaments per year for both men’s and women’s teams.

Transparency and Structure

Require regular audits, quarterly reporting, and transparent procurement processes.
Publish financial statements to all leagues every 3 months.
Ban fake leagues; allow only clubs that meet minimum standards to vote or receive funds.

Final Thought

The FIFA Inquiry Report is a damning reflection of how greed, corruption, and negligence ruined Sri Lanka’s football potential. The sport, once considered third most popular in the country, now languishes without direction. The way forward demands courageous reforms, fresh leadership, and strict accountability.

Up Next

Part 2: FIFA Funds Squandered – Inside the Financial Collapse of Sri Lanka Football

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Football

Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025: Sri Lanka’s Biggest School Football Showdown Gears Up

Published

1 week ago

September 19, 2025

Editor

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

Published

1 month ago

August 28, 2025

Editor

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

Football

Heritage Derby Trophy Goes to Hameed Al Husseinie College

Published

2 months ago

August 12, 2025

Editor

Colombo – Hameed Al Husseinie College emerged victorious in the prestigious Heritage Derby Trophy football encounter against Zahira College, Maradana, securing a 3–1 win at the Colombo Racecourse grounds yesterday.

The match kicked off under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, adding special significance to this annual football rivalry.

Hameed Al Husseinie College took control early, leading 2–0 at halftime before sealing the victory with a third goal in the second half. Zahira College managed to pull one back, but it was not enough to challenge the dominant performance of the winners.

The trophy presentation was held soon after the final whistle, with the principals of both schools — Rizvi Marikkar of Zahira College and Mrs. Dain of Hameed Al Husseinie College — present to witness the celebrations.

This latest victory adds another chapter to the rich history of the Heritage Derby, further cementing Hameed Al Husseinie College’s reputation in school football.