The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) has issued an official clarification regarding the recent disciplinary action against national footballer Mohamed Thilham, who was fined USD 2,000 by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for displaying a pro-Palestine message following a match in June.

In a statement issued today (07 Aug), FFSL confirmed that the fine was imposed by the AFC’s Independent Disciplinary and Ethics Committee, not by FIFA as some social media posts had inaccurately claimed.

The incident occurred on 10 June at the Racecourse Stadium in Colombo, after Sri Lanka’s 3–1 win over Chinese Taipei in the AFC Asian Cup qualifying tournament. Thilham, who was an unused substitute, revealed an undershirt with the message “PRAY FOR FREE PALESTINE” during post-match celebrations inside the Controlled Access Area.

According to FFSL, this act violated Section 3.2.2 of the AFC’s Equipment Regulations, which prohibits political, religious, personal or controversial messages on any clothing within officially governed zones.

The federation emphasized that the sanction was not related to the content of the message, but rather the breach of specific tournament regulations.

The FFSL noted that the AFC considered mitigating factors after receiving a formal explanation from Thilham, resulting in a significantly reduced fine. The player has been given one month to settle the penalty.

Rejecting claims that the action was politically driven, the FFSL reiterated its commitment to maintaining discipline, neutrality, and the integrity of the game. It also warned against “misrepresentations” that could distort public understanding of the incident. (Newswire)

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Elections of the Sri Lanka Football Federation (FFSL) will be held on September 16, 2023, it was announced today.

According to reports, Minister of Sports Roshan Ranasingha has approved allowing Sri Lanka football to conduct its election under the regulations prior to December 13, 2022. 

The approval has been granted to allow the national football team to be able to participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The election of the Sri Lanka Football Federation is to take place in September 2023 under the supervision of FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). 

The measures are being taken after the Football Federation of Sri Lanka was suspended by FIFA from January 21, 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 AFC announced the approval and inclusion of Sri Lanka in the official World Cup draw on a strict conditional basis. (NewsWire)

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A Gazette notification has been issued announcing the appointment of a 3-member committee to call for and hold elections to the Football Federation of Sri Lanka.

Accordingly, the Gazette notification has been issued by Minister of Sport Roshan Ranasinghe.

As per the Gazette, A.G. C. Deshapriya will head the committee, while N.K. Kapubandara has been appointed as the Secretary, and K.A.R.C. Kahandawala as Treasurer. 

The Sports Minister has also outlined regulations to be adhered to under the National Sports Authority.

The requirements include the election of officers for a tenure of 04 years and the appointments of a Secretary and Chief Executive Officer.

The move comes after the Court of Appeal, in January, issued an injunction order preventing the office bearers of the newly elected Sri Lanka Football Federation from functioning in their duties.

The order was given based on an application filed by the former chairman of the Federation Jaswar Umair who had accused the Sports Minister of depriving him of the opportunity to participate in the election conducted earlier in the month.

The former Chairman resorted to legal action accusing the sports minister of doing injustice to him.

Former MP Sri Ranga was appointed as the President of the Sri Lanka Football Federation in January 2023 in a controversial election.

Meanwhile, the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) was also 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. (NewsWire)

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