FIFA plans US$25 million support package to boost Sri Lankan football

Daily Mirror and ThePapare report that FIFA is considering approximately US$25 million for Sri Lankan football during its next four-year development period. ThePapare says the broader ambition is to make football Sri Lanka’s leading sport within that timeframe.

ThePapare reports that FIFA President Gianni Infantino met Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage and Football Federation of Sri Lanka President Jaswar Umar in Baku, Azerbaijan, to discuss the proposal. Newsfirst and Newswire also report that Infantino held discussions with a Sri Lankan delegation led by Gamage.

ThePapare reports that the funding proposal covers the national side, youth teams, women’s football, coaches and referees. Daily Mirror lists infrastructure, youth programmes and national-team development among the priorities.

ThePapare reports that participants discussed constructing a modern stadium meeting international standards and upgrading essential sports facilities. It also describes a nationwide infrastructure initiative involving football grounds in each district, with work expected to begin the following year.

ThePapare reports that Gamage expressed the government’s appreciation for FIFA’s assistance to national and youth teams, referred to progress over the previous two years, and reiterated the government’s commitment to working with FIFA and the football federation. ThePapare says Infantino restated FIFA’s commitment to developing the sport in Sri Lanka.