FIFA President Gianni Infantino has met Sri Lankan Football President Jaswar Umar last week in Doha, Qatar at the FIFA President’s Asian Office.
During the meeting, both leaders covered several topics including development, governance, and activities that can support a social impact through football.
Gianni Infantino assured the Sri Lankan President that FIFA will fully support the current President’s good efforts to “re-start football” after the COVID-19 global pandemic that almost stopped all sporting activities for nearly two years.
FIFA President also assured his support for the ongoing efforts of FFSL for the Constitution (Statutes) revision and to set up a date for the election of office bearers for the next term of four years. In order to ensure the smooth flow of the ongoing works, a high-level FIFA – AFC joint mission is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka within two weeks (early September) to Sri Lanka. This mission is expected to meet the Minister of Youth & Sports and FFSL Executive Committee to finalize dates for the revision and elections of the Statutes.
After a ban was imposed on Indian Federation by FIFA, there were some speculations by some quarters that a similar ban is to be imposed on Sri Lanka as well after the 31st of August 2022. However, FIFA has assured that no decision of that nature is required for Sri Lanka and the world governing body will not make any decision that will impact the island country adversely during this social, economic, and political crisis the country is going through at the moment.
President Jaswar Umar explained that the FIFA President’s visit to Sri Lanka in November of last year has provided a very positive impact where a large number of youths are coming
forward to play football with a new hope. A record number of participants amounting to nearly 2000 young players have attended the selection trials for the U-17, U-20, and Women’s National Teams in the last two months. This shows the growing interest among parents towards football.
Jaswar Umar’s initial set of activities to ‘re-start football’ after the COVID-19 lockdown were highly successful where football has recommenced in the areas of National Team, Youth Teams, Regional Level Football, Women’s Team, and Club Competitions. His ‘second-version’ of the medium-term plan is set to be commenced next month.
FIFA is set to support Sri Lanka in this second version by building a state-of-the-art stadium, building pitches in the regions, establishing good governance through a new constitution, coach educational support, youth competitions, technical support, and grassroots.
FIFA President Gianni and Jaswar Umar will sign an MoU next month to launch a new program “Football for Schools” under the FIFA Foundation, where schools from all parts of Sri Lanka will benefit with equipment and coaching support.
FFSL President’s Media Unit
2022.08.21
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