Football Sri Lanka Presidential candidate urges stakeholders not to be misled

 The Presidential Candidate Jaswar Umar briefing the media regarding roadway to Football Sri Lanka elections yesterday in Colombo. Also in the picture are Vice-President Candidate Dr.Manil Fernando, and Solid Sports Club, Anuradhapura owner Sagara Piyathilaka 

• Jaswar Umar alleges various fabricated posts being circulated on social media

By Althaf Nawaz

Football Sri Lanka Presidential Candidate Jaswar Umar and his running mate Dr. Manil Fernando have urged stakeholders in the football fraternity not to be misled by various fabricated posts being circulated in several digital and other media platforms these days.

At a media briefing held in Colombo yesterday, the duo, whose entire list of nominations were accepted by the Election Commission, are brimming with confidence of a comprehensive victory on 29 of this month, as they have been cleared of all allegations by the Court of Appeal.

Jaswar who made the opening statement said: “We called this briefing urgently to educate the football loving fraternity and the people of this country, who are eagerly awaiting to see the restart of football in the country. With their blessings and support of the Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe along with his Ministry officials, and others who supported us in many ways, the ban imposed by FIFA has been lifted, which is great news for Lankan Football. We are just four days after the ban was lifted, and have an uphill task on our shoulders ahead to put football back on track.

“At this crucial juncture, a handful of people who are boasting of safeguarding football – and very particular about corruption – is circulating fabricated stories which has no truth in it. I directly point my finger at my opponent who came into the limelight only six months ago. He and four other members’ nominations were rejected few days back due to failing to meet the stipulated criteria. With their downfall they are posing various baseless allegations at me and at some of my team members.”“The Election Committee, Appeal Committee and all other formalities were addressed at a Special General Meeting held last month, which was in keeping with AFC/FIFA stipulations. Matters discussed were passed with a majority, including the rival camp member leagues support. But now they say that the Election Committee has been influenced by us. Any mature person will not sling mud like this.”

“We are not worried about these challenges, where they are resorting to underhand tactics not to save the game but to disrupt the apple cart and get another suspension for Sri Lanka, which will be end of the road for us. We urge the whole country and the public not to get carried away with these jokers who have various other hidden agendas which ultimately will have a negative impact on the game,” Jaswar further added.

“We (Jaswar and Manil) were in different camps at the last elections and fought for the top post, but we never behaved like this. We spoke about our plans and vision and ultimately one won and the other person lost, but took up defeat as a gentleman. On this occasion, my rival candidate seems to be resorting to unethical tactics to win at any cost, which is not according to the normal procedure. One should not forget we have to abide by the rules and regulations set out by our governing bodies AFC and FIFA. That’s why they lifted the ban when they saw that FSL has complied with their stipulations with the support of the Sports Minister and his office who put up a great effort to get the ban relaxed.”

“As the team leader, I wish to convey my sincere gratitude to them on behalf of myself and my team. Overall, we are pretty confident that we will have a landslide victory on the 29th of this month and assure everyone there will be more transparency in the new administration which will take office after the elections, where the powers of the President have been trimmed in the new constitution compared to the previous one. Our experienced team will assure that we will surge ahead and take the game to a new dimension to see Sri Lanka reach great heights in world rankings, by creating a new pathway which will see the game boom domestically and internationally,” concluded Jaswar.

Dr. Manil Fernando, who is a tower of strength and a big asset for the Football fraternity, elaborated on FIFA lifting the ban. “They (FIFA) lifted the ban primarily because of our unity which had a major impetus in lifting the ban. Ranjith Rodrigo and I joined Jaswar primarily thinking of the country first. At a crucial juncture where the game was in the doldrums, we thought twice and decided to support Jaswar to come out from this ban. It was a tremendous effort as a team, and I also want to thank the Sports Minister and his team for their unstinted support given to us. One should not forget the Leagues and the Media who also played a pivotal role in our success.”

“We are ready as a team to take up challenges without making posts in the social media. We have a plan, and with the new constitution no one can mess around. 

All actions should be in accordance to the AFC/FIFA guidelines which will ensure transparency. Being a doctor by profession, I could have followed my profession now. But it has become an allergy for me as I love this game a lot and my aspirations are to see Sri Lankan Football reach the pinnacle.

“I urge our rival camp to join us by thrashing out petty differences for the betterment of the game. Running a sports organisation needs more experience and exposure unlike running a club. Therefore, we are confident with our team is optimistic that we can deliver the goods,” concluded Dr. Manil Fernando.