Reality check for Sri Lanka football

Trevor Reckerman 

Since late, there has been a lot of news pertaining to Sri Lanka Football in the local media and other news channels. This upheaval is a sequel to the FIFA suspension of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka which has serious consequences. A matter of greater concern is the lack of response by the Ministry of Sports (MOS) as well as the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) in this regard. The failure to engage with FIFA and find a resolution to this conflict is long overdue and the football fraternity is at a loss to understand where this sport is heading.  

Just a few days ago FIFA informed FFSL that Sri Lanka is not eligible to participate in the Men’s Olympic Tournament 2024, the Asian Qualifiers and the U23 Asian Cup in Qatar in 2024. This is indeed a sad testimony of the decadent state of Sri Lanka Football and something that requires urgent attention by the authorities.

Daily FT Sports spoke to a veteran Football Administrator Trevor Reckerman, to try to piece together the possible reasons for this debacle and what immediate steps that may be necessary. A national youth footballer, and avid sportsman since his early days at St. Joseph’s College, Trevor served two separate terms as Secretary General of the Football Federation apart from close associations with many other sports bodies. He is also a sports columnist contributing extensively to local media.

Q: How and why did the FIFA suspension come about?

A: FIFA has long required all international affiliates to conform to a model statute that governs Football internationally. It therefore approached Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) as far back as 2014 to amend the local constitution to fall in line with the prescribed FIFA mode. For a variety of reasons, especially a conflict with the Sports Law, this amendment did not transpire. In 2022, FIFA made a special effort and reached a consensus with the Ministry of Sports to amend the constitution and have it adopted. Once again, due to a series of blunders, the adoption which took place in September 2022, came to be invalidated and a FFSL election under the existing constitution followed. FIFA felt that the MOS was not supportive of its initiatives and as per FIFA statutes, was compelled to impose a suspension, for what it terms are third party interventions!

Q: What are the main changes sought by the model statutes proposed by FIFA?

A: First, is a 4 year term, instead of 2 years at present. Second, is the appointment of the Secretary and Treasurer as opposed to election, which is a widely accepted norm in international sports organisations to separate those offices from a political electioneering process, thus safeguarding the administration? I believe FIFA is not inclined to compromise on these essential conditions.

Q: What do you think are the main reasons for MOS to resist adopting the FIFA statutes?

A: Most probably, the adherence to the Sports Law as it exists today. There is some confusion whether an agreement was reached by FIFA and the MOS in this regard; a willingness to compromise and accommodate the FIFA guidelines. My understanding is that FIFA will address FFSL and the MOS of its latest stance. The MOS is aware of this and welcomes further dialogue in order to break out of this impasse. Overtures have been made and greater empathy to a long standing member of the FIFA family must come to pass! 

Personally, I see no compelling reason for the MOS to disregard model statues introduced by International Sports organisations. They are well thought out and have gained global acceptance. Sri Lanka can and must reconcile any differences that the Sports Law creates. I think it’s no big deal.

Q: But are there not many charges of corruption in Football?

A: None of these charges have been proven as yet, that is the sad story. Even serious audit queries by the Auditor General have not been satisfactorily resolved.  Recent accusations of financial transgressions against the deposed President still remain largely in the rumour mill. No official charge sheet or indictments have been issued.  What I have observed is gross mismanagement over the years. That may be perceived as corruption and extravagance on a grand scale. That is regrettable but can be corrected. I have personally made submissions to the MOS in previous years but nothing came out of it.

Q: The MOS has promised to release the findings of the Commission of Enquiry (COE) and punish those who have been responsible for the wrongdoings at FFSL. 

A: Since the report is still not in the public domain, I will reserve my comments. There is no doubt however that any charges levelled against FFSL officials will be legally challenged. Furthermore, the role of the MOS must also be taken into account in this regard as it applies to all National Sports Associations (NSAs). That is an important aspect in sports management that cannot be overlooked anymore.

Q: Sri Lanka has hit rock bottom in FIFA ranking. What exactly does it imply?

A: Of course it does suggest a major failure, but it does not tell the whole story. What I believe is that many countries have developed, while we have remained stagnant. We have never given sufficient attention to the technical aspects but relied on carnival football based on political inclinations. Many experts offered by FIFA have come and gone but no follow up has taken place and no accountability is evident at any stage.

Q: What are your observations on the FFSL organisation structure?

A: Extremely misplaced and outdated. The so called Leagues are mostly good on paper retained by successive administrations for electioneering purposes. The Inter-League Tournaments have all but ceased and it lacks serious intent. In my view, a complete restructure is long overdue! Even Football House is overstaffed without proper appointments, job descriptions or responsibilities. What FFSL requires is a competent CEO styled corporate establishment. That will make a big difference.   

Q: Don’t you think FIFA could have played a more salutary role in our football development?

A: I must not attempt to tell FIFA what its role should be about a local affiliate. But my understanding is that FIFA does not interfere with the local administration so long as it conforms to the international and local statutes. No doubt the funds FIFA liberally provides, is like manna from heaven. How well it is utilised is a matter of concern. I have for long advocated a web portal that carries a NSAs strategic plan and quarterly updates, so that progress of a national program can be easily monitored. This is something the MOS can adopt easily. FIFA will support such measures.

Q: Any final comments?

A: One thought that I like to leave behind is that when the suspension is eventually lifted, FIFA and MOS must collaborate to appoint a “Normalisation Committee” with very precise TORs over a limited period of time. A well-knit team will be able to address most of the issues facing FFSL without the encumbrance of an elected body which will contain its age-old factions and go back to the habits so well known. Football Sri Lanka demands a new culture. An election can follow at an appropriate time.