FFSL dribbling with AFC pose
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The hierarchy of Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) is contemplating weather to vote for or against a decision of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to amend its constitution before October 30. The AFC, according to reliable information, has notified its member countries on the upcoming transform but Sri Lanka is said to have taken a wobbly stance as some of its football experts call the move as ‘unconstitutional and illegal’, without proper explanation.
According to the intended amendments of AFC, it would open the opportunity for non-members or outsiders to become members of its Executive Committee in place of elected members from member countries.
Local football experts call the intended constitutional amendment as a ‘breach of Foreign Policy adopted by Sri Lanka’ as well as a obstruction of rights earned by the FFSL representatives of the AFC. However the FFSL representative to AFC is yet to decide on the factor if they are to vote in support or against the upcoming constitutional change adopted by the Regional Governing Body.
The existing constitution of AFC states that member countries, who are part of its Executive Committee, could nominate two members at special sittings or Annual General Meetings, but the intended change would see representatives from non-member countries of AFC playing vital roles in voting as well as decision making.
The Minister of Sports, Faiszer Musthapha, commenting on the development stated that the AFC’s intentions not only will affect the current administration of FFSL but will also create an impact on the country on its Foreign Policy.
“The AFC is planning to make changes to its constitution by opening its doors to three outsiders, or non-member representatives, come into the Executive Committee. This will make them eligible to fill in the vacant slots created by Sri Lanka, if they fail to represent the country at an election or an important meeting. This, of what I observe, is a direct breach of the Foreign Policy we follow as a country. The AFC elections are set for October 30 and I do not intend to interfere in any way, but as a country we should adhere to our Foreign Policies. If the FFSL intends to vote in favour of this change, it will be a direct breach of what we follow, but we cannot force them what to do or not to do. They (AFC) might force Sri Lanka to vote in favour threatening to cut down or abort the grants given to FFSL. I have advised the FFSL President to make the correct and viable decision,” the Minister said.
However, according to experts of the game, nor the AFC or the FIFA has the ethical right or power to block the grants or allowances received by any of its member countries, irrespective of decisions taken by a country at votes.
“At recent event taken place globally and regionally nor did the AFC or the FIFA cut down or stop grant payments made to its member countries. If they do so it is an unethical move,” a former top official of FFSL, clearing the fear and uncertainty of the current football official, stated.
However the President of FFSL, Anura de Silva, when queried on what the decision Sri Lanka is going to make next Tuesday, he was still clueless.
“We have not officially or clearly made our decision yet. But we intend to seek advice on this before making the final decision. Yet, we do have a doubt, we cannot support this decision, we might get caught in the middle of two ends here. It’s a delicate decision that we should take after serious discussion,” de Silva stated.
The FFSL is left with hours to decide on their stance at the upcoming AFC elections on Tuesday, October 30.