The FIFA Foundation has extended emergency humanitarian assistance to communities across Sri Lanka following the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah.

The tropical storm, which struck South Asia in late November and early December last year, unleashed torrential rainfall that triggered widespread flooding and landslides. Sri Lanka was among the worst affected, with more than 600 confirmed fatalities and over 360 people reported missing. Estimates indicate that between 800,000 and 1.1 million people were impacted nationwide.

Humanitarian Support Through FIFA Foundation

In response to the disaster, the FIFA Foundation has activated its Humanitarian Fund to provide financial assistance to affected districts. The support is being delivered through an international humanitarian partner operating on the ground to ensure urgent needs are addressed swiftly and effectively.

Relief efforts are focused on:

• Emergency shelter for displaced families
• Health services and medical assistance
• Water and sanitation support
• Livelihood assistance for vulnerable communities

Importantly, the initiative also prioritises members of Sri Lanka’s grassroots football network — including young players, coaches and volunteers whose lives have been severely disrupted.

Protecting the Local Football Ecosystem

Executive Chairman Mauricio Macri emphasised the Foundation’s commitment to standing with communities in times of crisis.

“The FIFA Foundation is committed to supporting those most in need when disaster strikes. By partnering with specialised organisations, we ensure that our support reaches football communities efficiently and equitably. Our priority is to address urgent humanitarian requirements while laying the groundwork for potential longer-term recovery support for the local football ecosystem.”

The cyclone has had a profound impact on districts that host youth academies and community football initiatives. Several training grounds and school pitches have been damaged, while many schools have been converted into emergency shelters. As a result, football activities in affected regions have come to a complete halt.

Football Federation Welcomes Support

Jaswar Umar, President of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka, expressed gratitude for the timely intervention.

“The impact of Cyclone Ditwah on our communities has been deep, affecting the lives of our young players and the networks that sustain our game. We are grateful for the support of the FIFA Foundation, which is providing vital relief to our football family during this incredibly challenging time.”

Assessments for Long-Term Recovery

FIFA representatives are currently conducting assessment missions to evaluate damage to infrastructure and football facilities. These findings will guide potential future assistance aimed at restoring football activities and rebuilding affected venues once immediate humanitarian priorities have been addressed.

The FIFA Foundation Humanitarian Fund has previously supported relief efforts worldwide, including recent emergency assistance provided to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.

As Sri Lanka continues its recovery from one of its most severe natural disasters in recent years, the support from global football bodies highlights the unifying and humanitarian power of the sport beyond the pitch.

Sri Lanka national football head coach Abdullah Al Mutairi has officially concluded his tenure with the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL), bringing an end to a period widely viewed as one of progress and renewed belief for the national team.

The Kuwaiti coach confirmed the development via a Facebook post, stating that his contract with FFSL ended by mutual agreement. Reflecting on his journey, Al Mutairi expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed to Sri Lankan football during his time in charge.

“I would like to share that my contract with Football Sri Lanka has come to an end by mutual agreement between all parties,” Al Mutairi wrote. “I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone I had the honor of working with during this journey.”

Al Mutairi thanked Sri Lankan football fans for their unwavering support and praised the players for their commitment, discipline, and fighting spirit. He also acknowledged the efforts of the coaching staff and support personnel who worked behind the scenes to drive the team forward.

Special appreciation was reserved for FFSL President Jaswar Umar, whose trust and full backing, according to Al Mutairi, played a crucial role in the national team’s achievements. The coach noted that strong leadership from the federation allowed the team to grow both technically and mentally on the international stage.

During his tenure, Sri Lanka showed clear improvement in performance and competitiveness, recording notable victories against higher-ranked opponents and earning increased respect within the region. Enhanced tactical discipline, improved fitness levels, and stronger team unity were widely regarded as key areas of progress under his leadership.

One of the standout moments of Al Mutairi’s time in charge was Sri Lanka’s historic qualification to the second round of the AFC World Cup qualifiers, a major milestone for the nation and a significant step forward in its footballing journey.

As he departs, Al Mutairi expressed gratitude for the experiences and memories gained and wished Sri Lankan football continued success. While his chapter as head coach has come to a close, the foundations laid during his tenure are expected to leave a lasting impact on the national team’s future development.

Sri Lanka’s AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign came to an unexpected conclusion with a 2–1 defeat to Timor-Leste in their final Group A match in Chongqing. With both teams entering the fixture on three points, the match served as a direct battle for a fourth-place finish in the group. Despite pre-match expectations and form analysis suggesting Sri Lanka held the advantage, Timor-Leste delivered the stronger performance on the day.

Timor-Leste took control early and displayed greater urgency, breaking the deadlock in the 26th minute through Elton Da Conceicao, who capitalised on defensive hesitation to put his side ahead. Sri Lanka struggled to settle into rhythm, often losing second balls and failing to connect effectively in midfield.

The second half saw Timor-Leste continue to dictate play, maintaining higher intensity and pressing Sri Lanka into mistakes. Their persistence was rewarded in the 63rd minute when Jyzeus Gabriel Lay doubled the lead with a composed finish following a break in transition.

Sri Lanka managed to pull one goal back deep into stoppage time, as Ishaq found the net with a well-taken effort, but it was too late to alter the outcome. The result places Sri Lanka fifth in Group A, behind China PR, Bangladesh, Bahrain, and now Timor-Leste.

This outcome contradicts earlier projections that favoured Sri Lanka based on Timor-Leste’s previous results and goal difference. However, football at youth level often hinges on momentum, confidence, and adaptability—areas where Timor-Leste outperformed Sri Lanka on the day.

Sri Lanka conclude their campaign with one win and four losses, scoring six goals and conceding 17. While the tournament exposed defensive vulnerabilities and structural weaknesses, it also offered valuable international experience for a young squad still developing physically and tactically.

The focus now shifts to refining youth systems, improving defensive organisation, and strengthening player development pathways. The qualifiers may not have produced the results Sri Lanka had hoped for, but they provided clarity on the areas that require attention as the nation continues to rebuild at youth level.