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The newly elected Football Sri Lanka Executive Committee assumed duty officially yesterday at the Football House in Torrington. President Jaswar Umar signing the official document accompanied by the two Vice-Presidents Ranjith Rodrigo and Dr. Manil Fernando flanked by his Ex-Co members
By Althaf Nawaz
Football Sri Lanka (FSL) President Jaswar Umar yesterday announced that the world governing body FIFA has officially lifted the ban imposed on Sri Lanka, and urged all stakeholders and the general public to rally round to take the game to the next level.
“We have to be proud as a nation that FIFA has fully relaxed the ban imposed on us with completion of the election conducted under stipulated guidelines. We ask the football fraternity and the public to join hands with us to resume the game while inaugurating a new chapter,” said Jaswar after assuming duties at “Football House” in Torrington.
When inquired about his plans, he stated: “The immediate attention is on sending our national team to play against Yemen in a World Cup Qualifying round match in Abha, Saudi Arabia on 12 October, and the home game against the same rival team which will be dribbled in Colombo on 17 October. There are several shortcomings and protocols which we will have to adhere to before sending the national team. It is a herculean task for us to fulfil these requirements within a few days. As an initiative, we kindly urge the Sports Minister and his office to support us in expediting the process in sending the team. We would like to emphasise to the football loving public that we are participating in this tournament with limited preparation due to lack of time. We anticipate that our players will try and give their best for the country.”
When asked about his plans to resume the domestic tournaments which had a barren calendar due to various reasons including the suspension, Jaswar admitted that fact but said: “Yes, there has been a lean period where there was no football played in the country. However, we need to meet the clubs and their respective leagues to see their present situation. Some of the clubs held their players for a long period of time paying wages. After the suspension, however, many players have changed clubs, few players have left for overseas seeking jobs, and unfortunately, another segment has given up the game completely due to various reasons. Overall, we will have to evaluate the situation before we embark to competition level.”
“People of the country have high expectations from us to restart football. After a lapse of almost a year the game has plunged to rock bottom. Nevertheless, we have learnt from our past mistakes and we will surge ahead positively assuring us to launch a strategic short, medium and long term plans, including the annual football calendar with the support of my team,” added Jaswar.
Vice President Ranjith Rodrigo, the most senior member in Jaswar’s camp, was quite optimistic that he and his team is capable of setting the required platform to kick start the game for their four year term. “As I always said, we have short, medium and long term plans. We are looking into the national team’s participation at the World Cup Qualifiers within a few days. Our main target is the 2025 SAFF Tournament for which our President is making all endeavours to get the hosting rights. Our target is to clinch this, which eventually is our medium plan. The long term plan will be done after rejuvenating our technical system. We are still in the old era and have to revamp this area from grass root level. Our President and Dr. Manil are likely to embark on this project and gain the support from AFC/FIFA,” said Rodrigo.
When inquired whether the leagues will be granted financial rewards, Dr. Manil responded: “We will closely monitor the progress of the leagues which are affiliated to us whether they voted for us or not. Once we are settled, we will acquire more information on these leagues and decide whether they are in need of any financial assistance.”
Dr. Manil, who was instrumental in development of youth football and supportive of establishing academies said: “This segment is a key area which is the future of football. With the consultation of my President, Vice President and our Ex-Co we will execute a plan. There has to be lots of investments done without talking 20 years or other plans. Once a Technical Director is recruited, with his support we will discuss this and launch the program to boost the game,” added Dr. Manil.
