FSL dream to put up fully-fledged stadium with FIFA support

Wednesday, 13 December 2023 00:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Football Sri Lanka President Jaswar Umar with FIFA President Gianni Infantino

By Althaf Nawaz

Football Sri Lanka (FSL) administration headed by President Jaswar Umar is making every effort to accomplish a long-standing dream of putting up a fully-fledged stadium to host international matches at home.

The new administration which took office in October is taking several initiatives with regard to revamping the game and restart football in the country. One of the priority items on their agenda is to have a permanent location to host their events calendar, which has been a long-standing dream with regard to development of the game.

During his previous tenure as President, with the support of the Government Jaswar had selected a plot of land running into several acres in the outskirts of Colombo. However, after the ban it became a nightmare for Lankan Football.

After being re-elected in October to serve a four-year term, Jaswar has spoken to FIFA and secured their support in accomplishing this long-standing dream. According to him, FSL is in the process of negotiating to purchase a property either in the vicinity of Colombo or in the suburbs, which might be finalised in due course.

“As a team we have given priority to put up a fully-fledged stadium as home venue which is a long-standing need. We are hunting for land within Colombo or in the suburbs. We have approached FIFA and they have shown their willingness to support us, without which it will be a herculean task. Moreover, we are fully focused on this project and with the support of the FIFA we intend to start up this project with the dawn of the New Year,” said Jaswar.

“To develop the game the basic infrastructure has to be there. With regard to grounds, we have to run from pillar to post at times. Hosting an international event is a big issue for us the only venue we have is the Race Course Stadium. Even the Racecourse Stadium needs upgrading, especially with regard to the players dressing rooms and some other basic facilities, which are well below international standards. We have to depend on this venue until such time we have our own structure, which is on the cards,” Jaswar further added.

The incumbent committee with the support of the two heavy weights Ranjith Rodrigo and Dr. Manil Fernando, are in the process of clearing the backlog and planning future events, including the new football calendar which is likely to be released by early January.

They are also striving hard with the football boss to finalise the documentation to secure the annual grant from FIFA, which has been deprived since last year due to the suspension. FSL at present is continuing its day-to-day activities on a low key until they obtain the annual grant which is scheduled for end of next month.