Sri Lankan football took a significant step forward with the introduction of the FIFA Series, Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) President Jaswar Umar said in a statement shared by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

The country hosted the inaugural FIFA Series in March 2024 at the Racecourse Ground in Colombo, welcoming Bhutan, the Central African Republic and Papua New Guinea for a four‑nation tournament spanning three confederations.

The FFSL said that the event was more than the delivery of an international competition, describing it as a milestone in placing Sri Lanka’s football on the global stage. 

The Racecourse venue itself stood as a symbol of FIFA’s ongoing support, having been renovated and prepared for international matches under the FIFA Forward Programme, which funds infrastructure and capacity‑building projects across Member Associations.

“Hosting the inaugural FIFA Series in Colombo in March 2024 was far more than the successful delivery of an international tournament. For Sri Lanka, it was a powerful statement that our football belongs on the global stage, and that countries still building their footballing strength deserve meaningful opportunities to compete, learn and dream,” Umar further said in the statement shared by FIFA. (Newswire)

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Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) President, Jaswar Umar has shared the organization’s ambitious plans to strengthen the local football ecosystem, stating that the FFSL is set to launch a robust lineup of domestic football competitions and initiatives for 2025.

Following a remarkable year of achievements on the international stage in 2024, Umar outlined the following plans for 2025. 

-A Year of Growth and Progress

“The most challenging aspect of football administration is achieving success with the national team. We’ve accomplished this through carefully crafted strategies,” said Jaswar Umar. “In 2024, we made our country proud by improving our FIFA world ranking from 205 to 200 in just one year. Looking ahead to 2025, with eight international matches on the horizon, we are confident of achieving even greater milestones.”

-Focus on Domestic and Youth Development

FFSL is now shifting its focus toward bolstering domestic and youth football. “All domestic competitions will commence in 2025, with increased funding and support for regional leagues. This will elevate football’s appeal and engagement across all levels,” Umar added.

-Club Competitions to Kick Off

FFSL recently convened with clubs from the Super League and Champions League to discuss their readiness for the upcoming season.

• All 14 Champions League clubs expressed their readiness to start the tournament by the end of January 2025.
• Super League clubs have requested additional time to prepare, proposing a start in March 2025.

-Youth and Grassroots Initiatives

A new youth competition, the Y19 League, will be launched across all 55 regional leagues, with a commercial partner already expressing interest in supporting the initiative.

In addition to the Y19 League, FFSL has outlined several other activities for 2025, including:

• Youth Leagues
• School Competitions
• Women’s Football Competitions
• A New Women’s League
• Coaching Development Programs
• Refereeing Training Programs

With the international momentum gained in 2024, FFSL anticipates 2025 to be a transformative year for Sri Lanka Football. 

FFSL President, Jaswar Umar said several international events are also expected to further elevate the country’s football profile. (Newswire)

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Former President of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL), Jaswar Umar has been re-elected as the President of Football Sri Lanka.

According to reports, Jaswar Umar was elected as President in a 45-20 vote held today.

The Football Federation of Sri Lanka was suspended by FIFA from January 21, 2023, due to third-party interference in matters related to the Federation and complaints over the Sri Lanka Football elections held in January, 2023. 

However, the ban imposed on FFSL by the global governing body of soccer, FIFA, was lifted in August as the Federation had met the criteria that were laid out for the suspension of the sanction. 

The FFSL had met the criteria, including the adoption of an electoral roadmap for elections to take place on 29 September 2023. 

As per the FFSL’s electoral roadmap, the elections were held today in which Jaswar Umar was re-elected as the President. (NewsWire)

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Sri Lanka will face Yemen in the Football World Cup Qualifier in October, former football President Jaswar Umar told NewsWire.

According to Jaswar Umar, the draw for the Football World Cup Qualifier took place today.

Sri Lanka will face Yemen in the Football World Cup Qualifier on the 12th and 17th of October 2023.

The World Cup Qualifier match on 12th October will take place in Qatar, while the match scheduled for 17th October will take place in Sri Lanka.  

The announcements come after FIFA and AFC yesterday revealed the approval and inclusion of Sri Lanka in the official World Cup draw on a strict conditional basis.

“The official update has been sent to the last elected President and its committee. The World Cup qualification match will be played on the 12th and 17th of October 2023. FFSL needs to conduct its election at least 10 days before this World Cup match; otherwise, FIFA will not allow Sri Lanka to play in the qualifiers,” former football President Jaswar Umar said notifying FIFA and AFC’s latest decision on Sri Lanka.

The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) was suspended by FIFA from January 21st 2023 until further notice due to third-party interference in matters related to the FFSL and complaints over the Sri Lanka football elections held on January 14, 2023.

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

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

Earlier this week (July 25), a Gazette notification was issued by Minister of Sport Roshan Ranasinghe announcing the appointment of a 3-member committee to call for and hold elections for the Football Federation of Sri Lanka. (NewsWire)

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