TEAM DACSHITHA
ROAD TO FOOTBALL GLORY
TEAM DACSHITHA VOWS TO STAMP OUT CORRUPTION IN SPORT
Entrepreneur Dacshitha Sumathipala aims to be the new custodian of Sri Lanka football at the upcoming election of office-bearers for 2023-2027 which will be observed by the world body FIFA and Asian confederation (AFC).
Football plunged to the depths after FIFA suspended the Sri Lanka federation (FSL) in January which made the elections held in January null and void.
The tug-o-war between officials for power continued unabated while national players kicked their heels in frustration unable to participate in the domestic or international competition being forced to skip the South Asian tournament as well.
Sri Lanka were in danger of missing out on the World Cup qualifiers against Lebanon next month but FIFA lifted the ban earlier this month on condition elections would be held without third party interference.
The football community has once again split into two groups in a bid to gain power in one of the richest sports bodies in the country.
Former Sri Lanka youth goal keeper Sumathipala who is president of the Anuradhapura Football League agreed to take on heavyweights Jaswar Umar, Dr Manil Fernando and Ranjith Rodrigo who are in the opposing camp.
Both parties are confident of victory with Sumathipala claiming he has the support of 36 out of 64 leagues at a press conference held on Thursday to unveil his ‘Road to Football Glory’ mission.
“I’ve been carefully observing the situation of the football federation which has been bad from 2020. Football is my passion,” said Sumathipala who wants to focus on grassroots development and improve Sri Lanka’s ranking in the world.
“I am confident that I will take my place as FFSL President on September 30, 2023. It's crucial to consider the FFSL Statutes and the requests of the Electoral and Appeal Committee, along with the way their interpretations have unfolded. It's important to note that this election will proceed based on the list, not individual posts," declared Sumathipala.
Hailing from a sporting family with his father being a cricketer, he also represented Royal College under 17 at cricket and also junior athletics. But football in which he excelled drew him to transform Super Youngs FC in Anuradhapura into a top club.
Super Youngs represented North Central Province in the National Sports Games organised by the Sports Ministry. After showing his capabilities as an administrator since 2018, he was urged to take charge of Sri Lanka football which is going through a critical phase.
His league has been active in conducting D Licence coaching certification and refresher courses for referees.
“FIFA rules are always changing. Every three months we need to be updated. If not you are dinosaur in terms of football. Our league members said to propose this to the entire country. We need to give them the opportunity as well. That’s when we thought we will go for football (FSL) presidency,” said Sumathipala.
He aims to use his influence to get the help of countries in the region. He wants to increase the funds they get from FIFA and AFC.
“Now we are getting 15 to 1.7 million dollars a year but other countries like Maldives or India get around 6 to 8 million dollar because they do lot of projects. For example in Maldives there are 50 grounds. They are getting a football for less three dollars each but two years back we have bought balls for 22 dollars,” he pointed out.
“We have no balls and money also is missing. That is the irony of the situation. We will not misuse a single cent. We know what is required for the players. FIFA wants empowerment and resources are diverted to the players. We want to envision the FIFA vision and make sure that country prospers football-wise,” he pledged.
However, his attempts to achieve his goal has met with a stumbling block since four nominations from his team including his, has been rejected by the Election Committee and Appeals Committee.
He has asked for AFC and FIFA recommendation and advice claiming the decisions were biased, pre-determined and violated the constitution.
“Our team is contesting. It’s just that the goal keeper (captain) has been shown the red card,” he quipped.
Sumathipala claims the FSL audits have not been done for 2021 and 2022.
Asked about his future if his team doesn’t win, Sumathipala said: “Corruption in football federation will continue.”
