Football
Mohamed Sahi Transfer Dispute Deepens: Two Clubs, Two Contracts – One Confusing Reality
Fresh details reveal dual agreements, silent acceptance, and a looming registration problem ahead of the Champions League
Colombo – June 17, 2025:
The player registration controversy surrounding Mohamed Sahi has intensified, as newly uncovered information confirms the existence of two separate agreements signed by the player — one with New Star SC and another with Crystal Palace FC Gampola, both for the 2025/26 season.
The Timeline of Conflict
- On January 15, 2025, Mohamed Sahi received a release from his former club Eravur YSS, stating that he would be joining Crystal Palace FC.
- This release letter was shared via WhatsApp with Crystal Palace, but the original document was handed over to New Star SC, who then registered the player for the 2025/26 season based on a contract signed on January 16 for LKR 85,000.
- Later in February, Sahi went on to sign another contract — this time with Crystal Palace FC, reportedly for LKR 215,000, including two advance payments: LKR 35,000 and LKR 45,000 to his father’s account.
This sequence raises serious concerns about whether the player fully understood his obligations or whether both clubs failed to clarify the status of the original registration.
Crystal Palace Questions: Silence from New Star
Despite publicly announcing the signing of Mohamed Sahi on social media in February, New Star SC remained silent. No objections were raised until the issue surfaced during I League scrutiny.
This inaction has sparked public questions:
- Why didn’t New Star respond immediately if the player was already under contract with them?
- Was there an oversight, or did they expect the issue to resolve quietly?
I League vs Champions League Impact
While the situation has had no direct impact on the I League, given that New Star SC registered the player first and the I League is an invitational tournament not governed by the FFSL, Sahi only featured under New Star during the competition. However, the matter gains greater significance in the lead-up to the Sri Lanka Champions League, where both New Star SC and Crystal Palace FC are reported to have submitted player registrations for Mohamed Sahi, potentially triggering a registration conflict.
This raises the risk of:
- Duplicate entries under the same player ID
- Last-minute disqualifications or disputes
- Administrative confusion for tournament organizers
A Potential Settlement?
In an attempt to ease tensions, sources close to New Star SC have confirmed that Mohamed Sahi is willing to return the advance payment made by Crystal Palace FC to resolve the financial element of the issue amicably.
Final Word
While this incident is unlikely to influence the I League outcome, it exposes a flaw in inter-club communication and registration coordination. With the Champions League approaching, resolving these overlaps is essential to avoid technical complications or eligibility issues.
Football
CBL Samaposha Continues to Empower Sri Lanka’s Young Footballers for the 14th Consecutive Year
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
Football
Zahira College Colombo Dominate Group A — Gampola Zahira and Darussalam Battle for Second Spot
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.
| School | M | W | L | D | GS | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zahira College, Colombo | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 | +6 | 6 |
| Gampola Zahira College | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 3 |
| Darussalam College | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 3 |
| Kingswood College | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 13 | -8 | 0 |



Football
Hameed Al Husseinie and Vaddakkachchi Central March into Quarterfinals of Ball Blaster 2025
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
| School | MP | W | L | D | GS | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hameed Al Husseinie College | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 1 | +8 | 7 |
| Vaddakkachchi Central College | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 5 |
| Baduriya College | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 4 |
| Al-Falah College | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 10 | -9 | 0 |








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