Several investigative reports related to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the Football Federation Sri Lanka (FFSL) have been handed over to the Special Investigation Unit for Sports Offences of the Ministry of Sports. 

Issuing a statement, the Ministry of Sports stated that the reports were handed over to the Sports Ministry on Tuesday (Oct 03). 

The reports include the special investigation report on the SLC, the special audit report issued by the National Audit Office, the special investigative report on the FFSL, and the internal audit report conducted by the Ministry of Sports.

The reports on SLC consist of the investigation report issued in April 2023 by the five-member committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Kusala Sarojanee Weerawardena into the alleged malpractices during the 2022 cricket World Cup in Australia and the special audit report issued in this regard by the National Audit Office in September 2023.

The reports on FFSL consist of the special investigative report issued on April 2023, as well as the audit report conducted by the internal audit department of the Ministry of Sports regarding fraud and corruption in the Football Federation.

The reports have been handed over to the Sports Ministry to initiate the necessary legal action against the sports administrations as per the provisions of the Prevention of Offences in Sports Act No. 24 of 2019. (NewsWire)

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The global governing body of soccer, FIFA has decided to lift the suspension on the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) with immediate effect.

According to a statement by FIFA, the decision was taken by the Bureau of FIFA Council after the FFSL had met the criteria that were laid out for the lifting of the sanction. 

As the FFSL had met the criteria, including the adoption of an electoral roadmap for elections to take place on 29 September 2023, the Bureau decided yesterday (Aug. 27) to lift the suspension. 

The statement further says FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will continue to monitor the situation until the elections in September 2023. (NewsWire)

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The Ministry of Sports has issued a statement outlining the measures that had been taken by Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe to enable the lifting of the ban imposed on the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) by FIFA.

The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) was suspended by FIFA from January 21st 2023 until further notice.

The suspension was reportedly due to third-party interference in matters related to the FFSL as the Sri Lankan authorities had deviated from the agreed roadmap and complaints over the Sri Lanka football elections held on January 14, 2023. 

However, on July 26, FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced the approval and inclusion of Sri Lanka in the official World Cup draw on a strict conditional basis.

The statement by the Sports Ministry states subject minister Roshan Ranasinghe had undertaken unprecedented efforts to lift the FIFA sanctions imposed on the country’s football federation. 

After months of rigorous negotiations and extensive reforms, the Minister’s proactive approach has culminated in the restoration of Sri Lanka’s footballing reputation on the international stage, the statement added.

Full statement:

The Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs of Sri Lanka has undertaken unprecedented efforts to lift the FIFA sanctions imposed on the country’s football federation, marking a significant turning point for the nation’s sports landscape. After months of rigorous negotiations and extensive reforms, the Minister’s proactive approach has culminated in the restoration of Sri Lanka’s footballing reputation on the international stage.

As part of the Minister’s commitment to resolving the suspension, he made a crucial communication where he had a productive meeting with FIFA’s high-ranking official. they discussed the way forward plan and exchanged ideas to restore integrity to the Football Federation Sri Lanka (FFSL). through Zoom technology on 10th July 2023, both parties delved into various key points to pave the way for the lifting of sanctions and rejuvenating Sri Lanka’s football landscape.

The following points were discussed in the Zoom meeting:

1. Approval of statutes approved by the FFSL on 22nd September 2022:

The approval of statutes passed by the FFSL on 22nd September 2022 marks a significant step in the process of lifting the FIFA sanctions. The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs has acknowledged the importance of having a proper governing framework in place for the Football Federation Sri Lanka (FFSL) to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to best practices.

To honour the spirit of democracy and promote fair representation, the Ministry has agreed to register the statutes approved by the FFSL. However, as part of a forward-looking approach, the Ministry has also recognized the need for potential improvements and amendments to the statutes to address any shortcomings or gaps that may have arisen in the past.

As such, the condition of amending the statutes after electing the new committee aligns with the provisions of the Sri Lankan Sports Act. This provision ensures that the statutes can be reviewed and updated under the guidance of a newly elected committee that represents the collective aspirations and vision of Sri Lanka’s football community.

The Sri Lankan Sports Act provides a framework for the democratic election of officials to governing bodies, including the FFSL. By holding elections to establish a new committee, the Ministry seeks to provide the opportunity for fresh perspectives, inclusive decision-making, and a clear mandate to govern the affairs of the football federation.

The Ministry’s commitment to amending the statutes post-election reflects a comprehensive approach to the revival of Sri Lanka’s football governance. It demonstrates a willingness to adapt, learn from past experiences, and embrace positive changes for the betterment of football in the country.

By striking a balance between recognizing the previous work done by the FFSL and incorporating improvements through democratic processes, the Ministry aims to lay a strong foundation for a transparent and robust football administration that is in line with international standards.

The approval and subsequent amendments of the statutes, in accordance with the Sri Lankan Sports Act, signify a collective effort to ensure that the FFSL operates with integrity, accountability, and efficiency. This commitment to good governance is an essential component in the process of reinstating Sri Lanka into the global football community and reestablishing the nation’s credibility in the world of sports.

Through this approach, the Ministry envisions a football ecosystem in Sri Lanka that fosters talent development, promotes sporting excellence, and upholds the values of fair play and inclusivity, inspiring the nation’s youth and uniting communities in the shared love for the beautiful game.

ii. Allowing the FFSL administration to run its affairs independently:

During the meeting between the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs and FIFA, a crucial topic of discussion was the autonomy of the Football Federation Sri Lanka (FFSL) administration during the transitional period leading up to the election of a new committee. The Solicitor General raised a pertinent point seeking clarity on the scope and responsibilities of the “FFSL Administration.”

In response, FIFA clarified that the term “FFSL Administration” specifically refers to the staff members of the football federation who possess the necessary expertise, experience, and knowledge to handle the day-to-day activities and operational affairs of the organization. Importantly, FIFA’s clarification emphasized that the “FFSL Administration” does not encompass the elective committee. 

Understanding the importance of having a competent administration to ensure continuity and stability during the transitional period, the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs agreed to appoint a competent committee to run the FFSL’s affairs. This committee would consist of capable individuals who can effectively manage the day-to-day operations of the federation in the absence of an elected committee.

Moreover, to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and adherence to democratic principles, the Minister committed to organizing an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) through this appointed committee in accordance with the Sri Lankan Sports Act. The EGM will serve as a platform for stakeholders to convene and discuss the necessary steps to proceed with the election of a new committee for the FFSL.

Through this well-considered approach of appointing a competent committee and organizing the EGM, the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs demonstrates a commitment to fostering a transparent, accountable, and effective football administration in Sri Lanka. The collaborative efforts between the ministry, FIFA, and the football community are geared towards promoting the growth of football, nurturing talent, and elevating Sri Lanka’s presence on the international football stage.

iii. 4-year mandate and appointed General Secretary:

The agreement on a 4-year mandate and the appointment of a General Secretary without further negotiations represents a significant step in restoring football’s integrity in Sri Lanka. This decision demonstrates the Ministry’s commitment to providing stability, continuity, and effective leadership within the Football Federation Sri Lanka (FFSL).

4-Year Mandate: The decision to grant a 4-year mandate to the elected committee reflects the Ministry’s belief in the importance of long-term planning and sustainable governance for the FFSL. A 4-year tenure allows the elected officials to work on implementing their vision, strategies, and policies to develop football in the country. This mandate period ensures that the committee has ample time to execute projects, evaluate outcomes, and make necessary adjustments for sustained progress.

Overall, the agreement on a 4-year mandate and the appointment of a General Secretary as the CEO exemplifies the Ministry’s commitment to the revitalization of football in Sri Lanka. By providing a stable and efficient governance structure, the Ministry aims to foster a conducive environment for football’s growth, enhance its reputation, and empower the nation’s youth through the beautiful game.

Through these decisions, the Ministry seeks to restore public trust in the FFSL and inspire confidence in its ability to manage the sport in a professional, transparent, and responsible manner. The collaborative efforts between the elected committee, the General Secretary, and the Ministry will undoubtedly pave the way for a brighter future for football in Sri Lanka.

Following this highly productive meeting, Hon. Roshan Ranasinghe issued an Extraordinary Gazette, numbered 2342/09, to accept the above-said conditions with FIFA. Consequently, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed that Sri Lanka has been added to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers draw and sent an email stating that FIFA will advise the Ministry on the way forward plan to lift the suspension.

The Sports Ministry of Sri Lanka, under the guidance of the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, is resolute in its determination to foster transparency, good governance, and fair play within the country’s football ecosystem. The reinstatement into the FIFA family heralds a new chapter for Sri Lankan football, and the Ministry calls upon all stakeholders, media, and citizens to rally behind this positive transformation. (NewsWire)

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The football governing body, FIFA, has informed the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) that its men’s team is not eligible for participation in several upcoming international tournaments. 

FIFA stated that the FFSL men’s team is not eligible to participate in the men’s Olympic Football Tournament 2024 – Asian qualifiers and the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024 qualifiers.

FIFA further stated that Sri Lanka’s men’s team has missed the eligibility criteria due to the suspension of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka. 

The Football Federation of Sri Lanka was sanctioned by the international governing body for football, FIFA, on January 21 2023.

The suspension is reportedly due to third-party interference in matters related to the FFSL as the Sri Lankan authorities had deviated from the agreed roadmap and complaints over the Sri Lanka football elections held on January 14th 2023.

Consequently, The FFSL representative and club teams are therefore no longer entitled to take part in international competitions until the suspension is lifted. (NewsWire)

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