FIFA, AFC pledge massive Rs. 1 b to kick start football

Respective League (62) members accepting the “Football Forward” program

• FIFA OPEX fund (Rs. 720 million); AFC (Rs. 128 million)

By Althaf Nawaz

A staggering Rs. 1 billion has been allocated to restart football in Sri Lanka, the game’s President Jaswar Umar revealed on Sunday.

Speaking at the “Football Forward” Sri Lanka 2024 to 2027 strategic plan at the Extraordinary Congress held in Negombo, Jaswar stressed never in the history of Football in Sri Lanka has such a huge amount of funds been allocated to boost the game with a strategic plan, making all endeavours to elevate the rankings from the present situation.

The FSL boss disclosed their plans for the next four years. After being elected to office to serve a four year term last September, FSL’s new Committee were covering many aspects of the game with the support of the World governing body FIFA and AFC who stepped on board after almost two years suspension due to various factors.

The most popular game in the world is rebranded as “People’s Game” with the intention of attracting more players and making it the number one sport in the country. Jaswar rolled out the plan which was unanimously approved by 62 member leagues without any objection.

The cynosure of all eyes was the Annual Budget plan for year 2024 covering one billion. The FIFA forward OPEX Fund drew the main attention out of the entire funding which amounted to over 

Rs. 720 million. The AFC Enhance Program will infuse the second largest funding with Rs. 128 million. The Rs. 1 billion funding will be spent on 15 various projects. Men’s National team expenses topped the list, amounting to over Rs. 323 million, while the Women’s National team will incur an amount of over Rs. 145 million. The domestic competition has drawn the third most expenditure of over 

Rs. 188 million. FSL has not forgotten their 64 member Leagues, where they have been allocated 

Rs. 1 million each, which is the biggest grant in Sri Lankan Football history.

Jaswar thanked all stakeholders and the distinguished guests and representatives from FIFA, AFC and Ministry of Sports for their support.

“Well, we are delighted to host this event after a long lapse. Me and my team have worked hard to put forward this strategic plan of four years beginning this year. We are making all endeavours to restart football with a bang by allocating a mammoth amount of one billion rupees, which has never been allocated in Sri Lankan Football history,” he emphasised.

“Unlike the past, there will be a proper domestic calendar put forward within a few days and all competitions will be listed. We have made several windows for our national teams (men and women) where once again a big amount of money has been set aside. With my team we are ready to open a new chapter in Sri Lankan Football with the support of FIFA and AFC with a view to elevate our rankings. We request all stakeholders to rally around and strive hard to make this vision a reality,” said Jaswar.

“With such a big investment of one billion both FSL and the country are going to be immensely benefited financially when the country is passing through a tough passage of time,” added Jaswar.