- Thrilling fare on the cards for fans
The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) officially announced on Wednesday (1) that the once-popular domestic competition Champions League would be revived after a hiatus of 48 months.
This was revealed to the press by FFSL President Jaswar Umar, who convened a media briefing to enlighten reporters on the progress made by his committee during the past two-year period since their assumption to office.
Umar remarked that the forthcoming competition, set to commence on 7 November, would include 14 of the country’s premier football clubs and asserted that it would provide absorbing fare to discerning local football followers.
The teams who are set to vie for honours at the Champions League are Matara City Club (defending champions), Java Lane SC, Pelicans SC, St. Mary’s SC, Super Sun SC, SLTB SC, Saunders SC, Moragasmulla SC, Sri Lanka Police SC, New Star SC, Solid SC, Serendib SC, Crystal Palace SC, and Negombo Youth CC.
According to the FFSL President, various issues in the recent past had stalled their attempts to kick off the key domestic tournaments. However, he was quick to add that following a detailed meeting held by him with club owners concerned and key stakeholders of the game, they had managed to resolve teething issues.
He noted that they had planned for the event to get off the ground next month with a grand opening ceremony, and with games being played on each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Umar further stated that the Champions League structure would divide the 14 sides into two groups of seven, with each club set to play one another in their respective groups in the first round.
Thereafter, the top four teams from the two groups will advance to the Super Eight phase, with the remaining six clubs entering a relegation round where the bottom two clubs will be demoted to League One.
As per the tournament structure, at the end of the Super Eight phase, the top two clubs are assured of promotion to the coveted Super League 2026 season.
The opening round fixtures of the Champions League are scheduled to kick off at the Race Course Ground, Colombo and Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo, with City Football League Ground, Colombo and the Public Grounds, Kurunegala being the other venues.
The FFSL has also made plans for the matches of the Champions League to be telecast live via its website on various digital platforms.
The head of the game’s controlling body added that they had decided to resume the domestic tournament calendar “due to the shrewd use of funds received from FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)”.
It was also announced that in order to support clubs and further enhance the league’s profile, the sport’s local governing body would be providing financial grants as well as vital football equipment to all competing teams.
(JK)