FFSL ExCo baffled by CEO appointment, thumping salary
The appointment, reportedly made bypassing standard protocols, has sparked discord among members of the FFSL Executive Committee, the body collectively responsible for approving such decisions. According to insiders, the terms of the CEO’s employment—now over three months into the role—are yet to receive the necessary approval from the Executive Committee.
The CEO is reportedly earning a monthly net income of USD 4,000, which translates to over LKR 1.16 million, and inclusive of perks they say it exceeds Rs. 1.7 million. This figure is post-deduction of taxes, the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), and Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF)—contributions shouldered by the FFSL. When factoring in these components, the CEO’s gross monthly remuneration is estimated at nearly USD 7,500, or approximately LKR 2.16 million.
The initial salary proposed and tentatively agreed upon by the Executive Committee was around USD 3,450 per month. However, further discussions to finalise this agreement never took place. As a result, the FFSL now faces an annual expenditure of LKR 12 to 26 million on the CEO’s salary alone. This amount could have funded at least two high-profile domestic competitions annually, according to estimates.
Adding to the controversy is the FFSL’s failure to conduct its annual domestic competitions for nearly two years. Compounding matters further, FIFA
and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have restricted or suspended grants to the FFSL due to inadequate financial reporting.
Members of the FFSL Executive Committee have expressed their dissatisfaction with both the appointment and the salary package, neither of which have been ratified by the Committee. It is alleged that the decision was unilaterally taken by the current FFSL President.
“This is a huge additional financial burden for FFSL. Why weren’t these matters discussed with the Executive Committee before issuing an appointment letter or agreeing on terms for the new CEO?” a senior FFSL official reportedly questioned.
Reports suggest that the Executive Committee had only authorised the recruitment process for the CEO, but what transpired thereafter remains unclear to most members. Some have accused the FFSL President of bypassing due process by issuing the appointment letter independently.
“If the FFSL President has issued a letter outlining the terms and conditions of the appointment, he must take responsibility for its contents. The Executive Committee members are unaware of any such obligation,” read a widely circulated message on social media.
The Committee insists that any appointment letter issued to the CEO should be presented as an approved document, officially submitted to the Finance Department for salary processing, in line with standard practice. The controversy surrounding the CEO’s appointment and substantial salary has erupted amidst ongoing scrutiny of FFSL’s financial practices. The Sri Lankan Auditor General’s Department has recently raised concerns about irregularities within FFSL accounts, with some matters referred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The current FFSL administration, elected in September 2023, has been thrust into the spotlight for its handling of this appointment. According to FIFA’s revised guidelines, the CEO role—equivalent to a Secretary General—is now a paid position.
However, experts maintain that such appointments must follow established procedures and require approval from the Executive Committee, which remains largely in the dark regarding this contentious decision.