Caretaker National Football Coach Abdullah Almutairi has been made permanent in his post by Football Sri Lanka (FSL), with the sport’s local controlling body being impressed with his recent positive returns with the men’s team, The Daily Morning Sports, learns.

According to FSL sources, Almutairi, a Kuwaiti national has been confirmed in his position ahead of the crucial third round of the AFC Qualifiers.

The 42-year-old who was interim coach since last August, thus takes over the national team from ex-Manchester City footballer Andy Morrison.

His appointment has come in the aftermath of a recent form revival of Sujan Perera’s team, with the latter having beaten Cambodia at home and then drawing with the same opponents in Cambodia, in the playoff for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualification.

The Lankans, also after losing to Myanmar, managed to hold their hosts to a draw in two FIFA friendlies played last month.

It is said that these energetic performances have convinced the FSL hierarchy, to place their implicit trust in the Kuwaiti national, to steer the team towards greater success in the future.

The recent resurgence of the national football team under Almutairi’s watch, has also had a marked impact on its rise in FIFA World Rankings, which saw the island-nation moving from the 205th spot to 200th place.

Almutairi is also an experienced football coach, having previously been the trainer for Nepal during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and the SAFF Championship staged in Maldives.

The new Sri Lanka football coach’s immediate challenge will be the third round of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers which is due to kick off later this year. 

(JK)