The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) Former Secretary Sunil Senaweera on Friday (3) lodged a written complaint with the Bribery Commission (CIABOC).

He thus requested the Commission to launch a prompt inquiry into alleged financial fraud, misuse of funds and improper financial management, under the current FFSL leadership of Jaswar Umar.

Senaweera who functioned as the FFSL Secretary from 2001 to 2004, said that repeated requests made to incumbent Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage, to this effect had fallen on deaf ears, forcing him to head to the CIABOC, as a last resort.

“I attempted to draw the attention of the Sports Minister a few times, regarding the allegations against Jaswar Umar,” he told The Daily Morning Sports.

“But it proved to be of no avail. And that is why I decided to lodge a written complaint with the Bribery Commission. I have submitted my charges with proof and now it is up to the Commission to initiate an investigation into it and hold those behind the FFSL financial frauds accountable for their actions.”

Senaweera, a former national team manager, and a FIFA accredited referee and an AFC Instructor, outlined his allegations under five main points.

He further said that the ‘Kusala Sarojini Investigation Report,’ submitted two years ago, had highlighted several financial irregularities within the FFSL helmed by Umar.

He noted that despite recommendations made by the said report against those responsible, no litigation has been filed to date against the current FFSL administration.

“Even the Sports Ministry had conducted a separate probe into these allegations, but so far no legal action has been instituted against the perpetrators of these acts and that is the worst part of it,” he charged. 

He added that if a forensic audit and an in-depth investigation is conducted into the state of FFSL finances, under the stewardship of its incumbent head, both wrongdoers and those not at fault could be clearly identified.

He also claimed that the domestic football sphere has plunged into freefall since Jaswar Umar took office in 2023.

The ex-FFSL Secretary opined that the game’s local governing body, had failed to kick off the nation’s premier competition-the FA Cup since 2019, along with its inability to host numerous other top tier tournaments, as per the football calendar.

Senaweera pointed out that playing 18 international matches during the past two-year period was nothing to crow about.

He mentioned that both FIFA and AFC always send funds to the local body, whenever FIFA Friendlies and other regional internationals are played, irrespective of who remains at the helm of FFSL.

“It is true that our national team has risen in FIFA World Rankings. And that too thanks to foreigners who have flooded the national team. Other than the captain and one or two others, the majority are of foreign descent. Hence can you call this a true Sri Lanka team?”he asked.  

“Also compare where this game is domestically. There is a sharp decline in local football. So, tell me where is the so-called progress?”

Responding to the allegations thrown at his administration, FFSL President Jaswar Umar stated that those who cannot stomach the success of the national team under his administration, were ‘barking up the wrong tree’.

He said a certain group with vested interests were throwing stones at him personally, whilst being in glass houses, and emphasised that the financial status of the FFSL under him has been above board.

Addressing a press conference held at the Football House in Colombo on Wednesday (1), Umar unveiled a packed calendar of events, while celebrating the achievements of his team over the past 24-month period.

He also outlined an ambitious roadmap for the future-one stacked with domestic landmarks, international fixtures and development initiatives.

He asked whether such endeavours could be possible:

“These people simply cannot see the woods for the trees,” Umar argued. “They are utterly envious of what we have achieved in this time period, and let them lodge complaints. We have nothing to hide and we have done our work in a transparent manner.”

He added that over the next two-year period, the national team is scheduled to be engaged in several high-profile international fixtures including games against Turkmenistan, Thailand and Chinese Taipei, respectively as part of the AFC 2027 Qualifiers.

Regional competitions such as the SAFF Championships-across senior, youth futsal and women’s categories-will further keep Sri Lanka occupied on the South Asian Football arena.

According to Umar, Sri Lanka will also be competing in the AC Youth Qualifiers and the prestigious SAFF Championship.