Sri Lanka expects US$25 million in FIFA assistance for football development

Sri Lanka expects to secure US$25 million in financial assistance from the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) over the next four years to develop football in the country, the Ministry of Sports has stated.

The matter was discussed at a meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, on October 26 between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Sri Lanka’s Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage. The discussions focused on developing football in Sri Lanka at national and international levels, improving sports infrastructure, and enhancing the skills and performance of players.

Gamage expressed the Sri Lankan Government’s appreciation for FIFA’s support in developing the national football team and youth teams. He highlighted progress in the country’s football sector over the past two years and said the Government is committed to working closely with FIFA and the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) to further advance the sport.

Special attention was also given to the construction of a modern football stadium that meets international standards and to the improvement of sports infrastructure across the country. The four-year development programme is expected to focus on strengthening the national and youth football teams, promoting women’s football, and developing the skills and professional capabilities of coaches and referees.

The Ministry of Sports has stated that construction of football stadiums in every district of Sri Lanka is planned to commence next year. The initiative aims to provide children and young people with greater access to football and create more opportunities for talented players to develop their abilities.

Plans are in place to develop approximately 40 football grounds through member leagues affiliated with the Football Federation of Sri Lanka by the end of 2031. The programme is expected to expand football participation across the country, improve players’ performance, and strengthen the professional skills of coaches and referees.

Strengthening cooperation among the Sri Lankan Government, FIFA and the Football Federation of Sri Lanka is a key part of the initiative, which aims to make football a more popular sport in the country and elevate Sri Lanka’s presence on the international football stage.