Football

Sri Lanka U19 Football Collapse Exposes Deep Flaws in FFSL’s Youth Development and Governance

Published

4 weeks ago

May 13, 2025

Editor

Sri Lanka’s humiliating 13-goal downfall in just two matches at the SAFF U19 Championship 2025 has laid bare the critical failures in preparation, technical development, and governance by the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL).

After suffering an 8-0 loss to India and a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Nepal, Sri Lanka crashed out of the tournament without scoring a single goal — a result symptomatic of a poorly planned campaign lacking any strategic foresight.

Despite knowing the SAFF U19 tournament would kick off on May 9, FFSL conducted the final player trials only on March 27, 28, and 29 — giving just over a month for squad selection, tactical preparation, and conditioning. To make matters worse, the team departed for India on May 7, leaving no room for acclimatization or final preparations.

Rather than conducting a proper youth tournament to identify the best talent across the country, FFSL relied solely on trials — a flawed approach that fails to account for the natural ups and downs in player performance. One poor day at trials could cost a talented youngster his chance, while truly elite players may never even get scouted.

Adding further concern was the decision to include Sri Lankan-origin players directly into the starting XI without proper assessments or integration into the team structure. This move, seen by many as superficial, was akin to placing icing on a cake that was never baked.

Despite grand public claims, FFSL’s much-hyped “Y19 Tournament” in collaboration with Lyca Gnanam Foundation turned out to be nothing more than a media stunt. No such competition materialized on the ground, leaving local youth players without the competitive platform they were promised.

This is not only a technical failure but a complete collapse in administrative responsibility. The lack of grassroots planning, long-term youth development frameworks, and regional scouting shows FFSL’s hollow commitment to actual football development.

Even more alarming are the disciplinary concerns, with reports emerging that the U19 head coach physically assaulted five players at the team hotel — if it is ture, a severe breach of professional conduct that demands immediate investigation and accountability.

The blame cannot rest solely on the President of FFSL. The 2023 election saw three influential football administrative figures unite to secure victory. Yet, in the face of this collapse, only the President faces criticism, while the others remain conveniently silent.

It is clear: playing international matches alone won’t develop football. What Sri Lanka needs is a structured, grassroots-driven technical program — not public relations campaigns or shortcuts.

Unless FFSL reforms its approach to youth development, embraces merit-based talent identification, and ensures accountability at all levels, Sri Lankan football will continue to languish in mediocrity, both regionally and globally.

Up Next

Sri Lankan Bodybuilder Suminda Chamara Idangoda Achieves International Recognition in Canada

Don't Miss

Sri Lanka U19 Football Team Crashes Out of SAFF Championship with Embarrassing Defeats

Editor

Click to comment

Football

Sri Lanka Shocks 166th-Ranked Chinese Taipei with 3-1 Victory in AFC Asian Cup 2026 Qualifier

Published

8 hours ago

June 10, 2025

Editor

Date: June 10, 2025
Venue: Race Course, Colombo
Tournament: AFC Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers – Group D
Final Score: Sri Lanka 3 – 1 Chinese Taipei
FIFA Rankings: Chinese Taipei – 166 | Sri Lanka – 200

In a stunning upset, Sri Lanka’s national football team defeated Chinese Taipei 3-1 in their AFC Asian Cup 2026 Group D qualifier held on June 10. The performance not only earned Sri Lanka three crucial points but also reaffirmed their ability to compete with higher-ranked opponents on the international stage.

Goal-Scorers:

Adhavan Rajamohan – 48’
Dillon De Silva – 52’
Waseem Razeek – 57’

After a goalless first half, Sri Lanka came out with renewed energy and dominated early in the second half, scoring three goals within just 10 minutes, completely overturning the momentum.

Ranking Impact:

Sri Lanka: 200th → +0.97 points
Chinese Taipei: 166th → –10.71 points

The win came despite a major ranking gap, showcasing Sri Lanka’s growing confidence and improved tactical discipline under pressure.

Match Summary:

Minute	Scorer	Team	Type
48’	Adhavan Rajamohan	Sri Lanka	Open Play
52’	Dillon De Silva	Sri Lanka	Counter Attack
57’	Waseem Razeek	Sri Lanka	Set Piece
69′	Chinese Taipei	1 Goal	(Details TBD)

Football

Match Preview: Reinforced Sri Lanka Take On Chinese Taipei in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

Published

12 hours ago

June 10, 2025

Editor

Sri Lanka’s national football team returns to action today in a much-anticipated clash against Chinese Taipei in an international friendly that has all the makings of a tense tactical battle. With a strong recent run, bolstered by foreign-based Sri Lankan-origin players, the Lions are beginning to roar again on the international stage.

Head-to-Head Record

Sri Lanka remains unbeaten against Chinese Taipei in previous AFC competitions:

2009 AFC Challenge Cup: Sri Lanka 2 – 1 Chinese Taipei
2008 AFC Challenge Cup: Sri Lanka 2 – 2 Chinese Taipei

Despite the long gap since their last encounter, these results offer Sri Lanka a psychological edge heading into today’s game.

Sri Lanka’s Recent Form – Powered by Diaspora Talent

Date	Opponent	Result	HT Score	Note
2025/06/05	Brunei Darussalam	1 – 0 W	0 – 0	Disciplined effort
2025/03/25	Thailand	0 – 1 L	0 – 1	Strong resistance
2025/03/20	Laos	2 – 1 W	1 – 0	Clinical finish
2024/11/19	Yemen	0 – 2 L	0 – 1	Struggled
2024/11/16	Yemen	1 – 0 W	0 – 0	Compact & patient

Wins: 3 | Losses: 2
Goals Scored: 4 | Goals Conceded: 4
Clean Sheets: 2

Foreign-Based Talent Changing the Game

Sri Lanka’s improvement is largely attributed to the inclusion of Sri Lankan-origin players based overseas, with 10 out of 11 starters in recent matches hailing from professional leagues abroad – particularly from Europe and Australia. These players have brought:

Higher tactical intelligence
Greater fitness and pace
Improved defensive structure

Their presence has elevated the team’s gameplay from regional underdogs to serious competitors. Players like Dilon De Silva, Claudio Mathias, and Oliver kellart have been instrumental in controlling midfield and backline transitions.

Chinese Taipei’s Recent Form

Date	Opponent	Result	HT Score	Note
2025/03/25	Turkmenistan	1 – 2 L	0 – 0	Lost rhythm late
2024/12/14	Hong Kong	1 – 2 L	1 – 1	Leaky defense
2024/12/11	Mongolia	4 – 0 W	1 – 0	Dominant display
2024/11/18	Singapore	3 – 2 W	1 – 0	Free-flowing attack
2024/10/11	Cambodia	2 – 3 L	1 – 0	Defensive collapse

Wins: 2 | Losses: 3
Goals Scored: 11 | Goals Conceded: 9

While Taipei have been prolific going forward, their defense has consistently crumbled under pressure — something Sri Lanka’s high-press strategy may exploit.

FIFA Rankings Snapshot (April 2025)

Rank	Team	Points	Trend
166	Chinese Taipei	979.85	▼ -10.71
200	Sri Lanka	833.77	▲ +0.97

Although ranked 34 places lower, Sri Lanka is the side on the rise. The current trend suggests a closing gap between the two nations.

Match Insights

Form Turnaround: Sri Lanka has won 3 of its last 5, thanks to overseas reinforcements.
Taipei’s Vulnerability: Conceded 9 goals in 5 games – major defensive frailty.
Diaspora Impact: Sri Lanka fielded 10/11 foreign-based players in their latest win.
Slow First Halves: Both teams often start slow – expect a tactical first half.

Prediction & Final Word

With the quality injected by Sri Lankan-origin professionals and tactical cohesion developing, Sri Lanka appears poised to maintain its unbeaten record against Chinese Taipei.

Prediction: Sri Lanka 2 – 1 Chinese Taipei
Man to Watch: Dilon De Silva – winger brings flair, speed, and vision to Sri Lanka’s left flank.

Catch all the action, post-match reactions, and behind-the-scenes content exclusively on Sri Lankan Sports TV.

Football

Asia Leads the Charge as 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Begin to Take Shape

Published

3 days ago

June 7, 2025

Editor

The road to the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup is gaining momentum, and Asia is already making its mark on football’s grandest stage. With an expanded format featuring 48 teams and co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this edition promises to be the most inclusive and diverse yet — and Asia is stepping up early.

Japan Sets the Benchmark for Asia

Japan was the first nation worldwide to book their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, underscoring their dominance in Asian football. Unbeaten in their qualifying campaign with six wins and one draw, the Samurai Blue continue to be the standard-bearers for the continent.

Iran Continues Consistent Form

Iran soon followed Japan, securing their seventh overall World Cup appearance and fourth consecutive berth. The team remained undefeated in their group, showcasing the experience and tactical depth that has made them a fixture on the world stage.

Uzbekistan Makes Historic Debut

In one of the most emotional stories of the qualifiers so far, Uzbekistan qualified for their first-ever FIFA World Cup. A gritty 0-0 draw against the UAE was enough for the Central Asian side to clinch a spot, sparking nationwide celebrations. Their rise highlights the growing strength of second-tier Asian nations on the global stage.

Asia’s Presence Grows in 2026 Format

Asia is guaranteed eight slots in the 2026 World Cup — a significant jump from previous editions — allowing the region to showcase more talent, depth, and emerging football powerhouses. With teams like South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Australia still in the hunt, the continent could make a serious impact come 2026.

Global Context

The tournament’s expanded format and host countries in North America mark a new era for international football. With 104 matches, 16 host cities, and an increased number of participants, it will be a celebration of global diversity — and Asian nations are ready to shine.

Countries Qualified So Far