Looks like football is being kicked around with no goals in sight!
View(s):Taking a closer look at one of our more popular sports, one can only grimace at the usual grandstanding that the powers that be exercise, once in office. All serious intent is gone and much like the aberrations visible in government, football too descends to its most morally decrepit proportion.
In early March, we saw the departure of the goalkeeping German coach Amir Doksanaltic. Earlier, Head Coach, Amir Alagic was also unceremoniously discontinued without a proper explanation and was made Technical Director. This kind of practice is not entirely new in football but the irrational attitude of the bosses, is symptomatic of how many things run at Football House.
FSL President (2L) in conversation with Asian Football Confederation President (C) Sheik Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa while former President (4L) Anura De Silva looks on
Having conducted a series of football carnivals with no clear strategic intent, it is felt that these competitions are not designed to improve standards or discover new talent; they are mere avenues to spend, so that funds can be distributed and extracted in the process. The administration claims that this is an unfair criticism given that the Independence Trophy District Championship, the Premier Four Nation Cup and the Super League Championship were all conducted professionally and transparently, producing many highly rated players.
That such efforts do not translate immediately to international prowess is well understood and takes several years. The critics however lament that this has been a customary refrain over the last 30 years and successive administrations have only focused on the next travel opportunity rather than a sound well-orchestrated campaign with precise well defined objectives. Some of the pictures in social media of our mandarins rubbing shoulders with Middle Eastern chieftains, is hilarious to say the least but this is the road we have taken.
With the football hustings nearing and much expected controversy now surfacing, the contenders are gearing for what is expected to be a battle royal. The last election it appears only permitted a term of nine months but the incumbent President is now claiming the two-year term that previous Presidents enjoyed.
Interestingly, it is the orthopedic surgeon Dr. Manil Fernando, son of the doyen of Sri Lanka Football, who is attempting to twist a few arms to make sure that football stays its constitutional course. While a majority of leagues seem to support the continuation of President Jaswar Umar, a former President and respected football captain, Anura de Silva is vehemently opposed to such a move. Rumours are also rife, that another kingmaker, former President Ranjith Rodrigo is expected to throw his hat into the ring! And so, the armory is being assembled for what will surely be a goal mouth melee with no quarters given and taken.
The overriding expectation of the world governing body FIFA, was that SLF adopt the new model constitution that has been gestating for many years now. Umar promised to fulfill that long desired need. However, the lack of transparency has shrouded that noble task and created considerable suspicion about what is in store.
A new administration will have far reaching changes with premier clubs represented in the Ex Co and a full-time professional Secretary-cum-CEO appointed rather than elected; a method adopted by most international sports bodies to ensure continuity and a less of political bias in the pivotal job of chief executive!
The FSL lacks such talent, with observers claiming that the present father figures mulling around Umar should be put to pasture! FFSL has also failed to orchestrate a commercial mindset which is a predominant feature of modern football. Inevitably, they will continue to rely on FIFA and AFC handouts; the classic vote buying mechanism that lacks merit in its everlasting largesse! Local sponsors have maintained a safe distance with business houses like Cargills, none the wiser where its generous funding support went. The fraud of Rs.25M is sadly forgotten episode!
Umar is a consummate dribbler. Having maneuvered his way dauntingly between several crossfires, he has indicated glimpses of conceptual acumen. Translating that into practice is where the crunch is. He lacks a competent team to take his game plan forward.
The good Dr., on the other hand is, carrying the baggage of inheritance; a murky past which torpedoed the constitution blatantly until a universal ban brought about a paradigm change. That change regrettably did not produce the results many football lovers prayed for.
So now, we are back to a future where dark shadows do not portend good news for the sport. Much like the country in distress, good men are not allowed nor are they willing to make the right moves!