Football

Sri Lankan Football in Crisis: Corruption, Mismanagement, and a Forgotten Future

Published

1 month ago

March 27, 2025

Editor

Sri Lankan football is facing an unprecedented crisis, with corruption, financial mismanagement, and neglect threatening to erase any hope for the sport’s future. Despite repeated warnings, investigations, and calls for reform, the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) under its current leadership has continued to operate with impunity, ignoring the development of local players while prioritizing foreign-born recruits.

Audit Findings Ignored – Where is the Accountability?

The Ministry of Sports’ audit report uncovered multiple financial discrepancies within FFSL, yet no action has been taken to rectify them. The Finance Committee raised critical concerns, including:

Unpaid Media Rights Payment of USD 10,000
- A missing payment for SAFF Sri Lanka match media rights, with public service media confirming they never received the funds.
- The Finance Committee instructed immediate resolution, yet no updates have been provided.
Unresolved Zolo Football Purchase
- FFSL paid LKR 12,775,000 for Zolo footballs from Ceylon Professional Sports Management (CPSM) without a financial guarantee, violating tender procedures.
- The Finance Committee recommended either securing the footballs or recovering the funds, with escalation to the CID if unresolved. No progress has been reported.
Unpaid Sponsorship Payment of USD 30,000
- Sponsorship funds from Public Service Media (PSM) for the Mahinda Rajapaksa Trophy remain unaccounted for.
- Despite instructions to resolve the matter, FFSL has failed to provide any updates.

FFSL’s Downward Spiral – A Lost Generation of Footballers

While Sri Lanka’s football governance remains plagued by corruption, the country’s domestic football structure has completely collapsed. There have been no domestic tournaments since 2022, depriving young players of a pathway to professional football. Despite over 42,000 active school-level players across 600 schools, FFSL has failed to support grassroots development, instead using school tournaments for branding while parents bear the costs.

Rather than investing in homegrown talent, the FFSL has prioritized recruiting foreign-based players to represent Sri Lanka’s national team. The current squad is unrecognizable, with only captain Sujan Perera representing local talent. Critics argue that these foreign recruits, most of whom play in third or fourth-tier leagues abroad, are using Sri Lankan representation to boost their own careers while the nation’s domestic football stagnates.

Sri Lanka’s Footballing Reputation in Tatters

The state of Sri Lankan football reached an embarrassing low during the AFC Cup qualifiers when head coach Abdullah Almutairi received a red card—a rare and humiliating moment in international football. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s FIFA ranking has plummeted from 124th to 200th out of 207, driven by alleged embezzlement of FIFA and AFC funds under successive FFSL presidents.

Unlike successful footballing nations, which integrate foreign-origin players into domestic leagues before calling them up to the national team, Sri Lanka’s approach has been reckless and damaging. The lack of Pro License coaches for the past 30 years has further exacerbated the decline, leaving Sri Lanka lagging behind regional peers like India and the Maldives.

FFSL’s Financial Mismanagement & Political Interference

FFSL has failed to present audited accounts since 2022, with officials suppressing the ministry’s audit report to avoid scrutiny.
Stolen equipment, including Adidas footballs, bags, and boots, has been traced to top FFSL officials, including former national captains and the finance manager. CCTV footage reportedly supports these claims.
Despite widespread allegations, successive sports ministers have turned a blind eye, allowing FFSL officials to manipulate narratives and maintain their grip on power.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2023-2024 has been postponed until March 2025—deliberately delaying accountability measures.

Will the Government Finally Take Action?

The newly elected government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, campaigned on an anti-corruption platform. Yet, despite the Ministry of Sports uncovering serious financial mismanagement, no action has been taken to hold FFSL accountable.

The time for promises has long passed. If Sri Lanka is to salvage its footballing future, immediate intervention is needed from the government, FIFA, and relevant stakeholders. Failure to act now will not only doom the sport but also betray the thousands of young Sri Lankan footballers who still dream of wearing the national jersey.

The question remains: Will the government finally clean up the mess in Sri Lankan football, or will corruption continue to suffocate the game?

Football

India Crushes Sri Lanka 8-0 in SAFF U-19 Championship Opener: A Wake-Up Call for Football Authorities

Published

21 hours ago

May 9, 2025

Editor

Sri Lanka’s U-19 football team suffered a devastating 8-0 defeat at the hands of India in their opening match of the SAFF U-19 Championship 2025 held at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Arunachal Pradesh, India.

From the opening whistle, Sri Lanka appeared unprepared and disorganized, allowing India to dominate every aspect of the match. The scoreline, split evenly with four goals in each half, highlights the defensive collapse and tactical shortcomings of the Lankan side.

India’s Danny Meitei Laishram netted a hat-trick, while Prashan Jajo added a brace, showcasing the stark contrast in quality and preparation between the two teams. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, failed to register any meaningful threat on goal throughout the match.

This humiliating loss raises serious concerns about the strategic planning and readiness of the national youth setup. Despite months to prepare for the tournament, the team lacked structure, fitness, and cohesion—fundamental aspects of international football. The technical team must face questions about the lack of competitive match exposure, tactical discipline, and defensive organization.

Moreover, the physical conditioning of the squad appeared subpar, and substitutions made during the game had minimal impact. The repeated lapses in positioning, marking, and pressing made it clear that the squad was outclassed not just physically but mentally and tactically.

This result must serve as a wake-up call for the Football Federation of Sri Lanka. Talent alone will not bridge the growing gulf between Sri Lanka and regional rivals unless it’s paired with structured development, professional coaching, and consistent investment in youth football.

Sri Lanka must now regroup quickly as they face Nepal U-19 in their next group match on May 11. The path to redemption begins with accountability—and urgent change.

Football

Sri Lanka Announces U19 Football Squad for SAFF Championship 2025

Published

4 days ago

May 6, 2025

Editor

The Football Federation of Sri Lanka has officially announced the Under-19 national squad for the SAFF U19 Championship 2025, featuring a blend of local talent and international prospects. The squad, comprising 23 promising young footballers, will represent the nation in the prestigious South Asian regional tournament scheduled to take place later this year.

The squad showcases a mix of school football stars from leading institutions in Colombo, Galle, Kinniya, and Negombo, along with Sri Lankan-origin players currently based in Australia and the United Arab Emirates. This strategic inclusion of overseas talent is expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s chances of a deep run in the championship.

Sri Lanka U19 Squad for SAFF Championship 2025

Vijayaratnam Haris – St. Joseph’s College, Colombo
Senapala Nadal Aaron – Gateway International, Colombo
Mohamed Hafeef Akram – T. B. Jayah MV, Colombo
Suthakar Roisan Bright – St. Joseph’s College, Colombo
Aidan Francis Perera – Gateway International, Colombo
Mohamed Rizwan Mohamed Aashif – Zahira College, Colombo
Mohamed Shiras Mohamed Shahid – Zahira College, Colombo
Krawege Hirun Mirasha – Mahinda College, Galle
Kalinga Anupa Pabasara – Mahinda College, Galle
Mohamed Rikas Muhammed – Zahira College, Colombo
Mohamed Siddeek Mohamed Maziyad – Hameedia Al Husseine College
Abdul Hameed Mohammed Irfan – Al Ameen National School, Kinniya
Mohammadu Hussain Abdullah – Al Falah, Negombo
Silmy Mohamed Hussain – Hameedia Al Husseine College
Mohamed Ramlan Abdul Rahman – Hameedia Al Husseine College
Mohamed Faris Umar – Darussalam College
Kaleelullah Mohamed Katheem – Zahira College, Colombo
Edirisinghe Omith (Captain) – Australia
Nassim Abdallah Faiz – United Arab Emirates
Luckman Rashad Shihab – Royal College, Colombo
Zafarullah Zakariyya – Australia
Dassanayake Anuk Shahil – Gateway International College
Zawahir Ayman Riyas – Australia

Led by captain Edirisinghe Omith, the team will focus on showcasing Sri Lanka’s evolving football potential in a tournament that features South Asia’s best young talents. With preparations underway, the coaching staff is optimistic about the team’s chances to make a lasting impression.

Group Stage Fixtures (IST)

May 9, 7:30 PM – India U19 vs Sri Lanka U19

May 11, 7:30 PM – Sri Lanka U19 vs Nepal U19

Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for exclusive updates, match previews, and player highlights as Sri Lanka embarks on its U19 SAFF Championship journey.

Football

Chelsea Stun Champions Liverpool to Keep Champions League Hopes Alive

Published

6 days ago

May 4, 2025

Editor

Chelsea delivered a powerful performance at Stamford Bridge to defeat newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool, strengthening their push for a Champions League spot next season.

The match began with a respectful guard of honour for the visitors, but Chelsea quickly turned the mood competitive. Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring in just the 3rd minute, capitalizing on Pedro Neto’s cross with a well-timed finish. From that moment, the Blues seized control.

Liverpool, having already secured the league title, fielded a rotated squad with six changes from the side that defeated Tottenham. The alterations seemed to cost them momentum, as they struggled to match Chelsea’s urgency in the early stages.

Chelsea doubled their advantage early in the second half when Cole Palmer’s clever dribble unsettled the Liverpool defence, leading to a chaotic moment in the box. Under pressure, Virgil van Dijk’s clearance attempt ricocheted off teammate Jarell Quansah and into their own net, gifting Chelsea a crucial second goal.

Though Liverpool rallied late, with substitute Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah squandering golden opportunities, Van Dijk pulled one back with a powerful header in the 85th minute. However, Palmer, who had earlier hit the post, sealed the win with a confident penalty in stoppage time after Quansah fouled Moises Caicedo.

Palmer, who hadn’t scored since January, was instrumental in all three goals and proved just how vital he is to Chelsea’s top-four ambitions. His return to form comes at the perfect moment ahead of their decisive clash against Newcastle next weekend.

Liverpool, meanwhile, showed signs of fatigue following their title celebrations. Despite the loss, their fans continued their joyous chants, proudly waving banners in honour of the club’s 20th league title. With the trophy presentation still to come at Anfield on the season’s final day, their focus now shifts to the celebrations rather than results.

Chelsea’s victory puts them level on points with Newcastle, trailing only on goal difference, making their upcoming encounter at St. James’ Park a pivotal battle for Champions League qualification.