The Asian Football Confederation has imposed a fine of USD 2,000 on Sri Lankan footballer Mohamed Thilham for displaying a message in support of Palestine during an international match in Colombo.

Mohamed Thilham had displayed the message following the match held on 10 June between Sri Lanka and Chinese Taipei under the AFC Asian Cup qualifying tournament.

Although Thilham’s action violated international football regulations and was deemed inappropriate, the AFC considered several mitigating factors after receiving an explanation regarding the incident. 

According to Sri Lanka Football President Jaswar Umar, this led to the reduction of what could have been a more severe penalty to USD 2,000. 

Thilham has been given a one-month period to settle the fine, with at least two weeks remaining as of the latest reports.

The incident occurred during the post-match celebration at Colombo’s Racecourse Stadium, where Sri Lanka secured a 3–1 victory. 

During a group photo, 19-year-old Thilham, who was an unused substitute, lifted his official jersey to reveal an undershirt bearing the message “PRAY FOR FREE PALESTINE.” (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka will take on Chinese Taipei tomorrow in the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) Asian Qualifiers– Road to 26.

According to Football Sri Lanka, the match will be played at 03.30 pm at the Race Course Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday. 

The Asian section of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification acts as qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for national teams of the Asian Football Confederation. 

AFC teams have been allocated eight direct qualifying slots and one inter-confederation play-off slot. The qualification process involves five rounds; the first two also serve as qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. (Newswire)

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Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage has held discussions with the visiting Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, in Colombo.

According to the Sports Ministry, Deputy Sports Minister Sugath Thilakaratne also participated in the discussion held yesterday. 

During the meeting, the AFC President pointed out that even though many Asian countries are facing economic corruption, Sri Lanka is moving forward as a country due to the actions of the current government.

Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa expressed confidence that the sport of Football will reach a better level as a result.

He further stated that efforts will be made to provide Sri Lanka with an international football stadium with modern facilities in conjunction with the Ministry of Sports for the advancement of football. 

The discussion focused on the necessary future plans in this regard. (Newswire)

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Football Sri Lanka has roped in another player of Sri Lankan descent ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL), Jeremy Perera from Germany has been welcomed to the national squad.

Jeremy Perera, a prominent attacking midfielder from the German League, joined the Sri Lanka National team pool yesterday.

Jeremy Perera, who resides in Germany with his Sri Lankan parents, met with FFSL President Jaswar Umar to officially join the squad.

The Sri Lanka National team is strengthening its lineup ahead of the AFC Asian Cup final round kicking off from March 2025. 

Asian qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will see the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) put eight teams directly into the 2026 World Cup, with a ninth team going to the inter-confederation playoffs in hopes of making the tournament. (Newswire)

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