September 10, Colombo (LNW): The staging of the FIFA Series in Colombo has been described as a turning point for Sri Lankan football, providing the country with an opportunity to host international competition while strengthening its position within the global game.
Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) President Jaswar Umar said the inaugural tournament, held in March 2024, represented more than simply another international fixture on the domestic calendar.
The Racecourse Ground in Colombo hosted the four-team event, bringing together Sri Lanka, Bhutan, the Central African Republic and Papua New Guinea in a tournament that connected teams from three different confederations.
According to Umar, the competition gave Sri Lanka a valuable platform to test itself against a diverse group of opponents and offered players and officials exposure to a higher level of international football.
The tournament also highlighted the importance of investment in football infrastructure. The Racecourse Ground had undergone renovation and improvements with support from FIFA’s Forward Programme, which provides funding to member associations for infrastructure development and initiatives aimed at strengthening the sport.
Umar said the opportunity to host the inaugural FIFA Series sent a broader message about the potential of emerging football nations.
He noted that countries developing their football structures need regular access to meaningful international competition, allowing players to gain experience while giving national associations the chance to build stronger foundations for the future.
For Sri Lanka, the Colombo tournament therefore served not only as an international sporting event but also as an opportunity to demonstrate that the island can play a more active role in the international football community.
The FFSL views the experience as part of a wider effort to raise the standard and profile of the game domestically, with international exposure and improved facilities expected to contribute to the continued development of Sri Lankan football.
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