AFC fines FSL for skipping Asian U-17 Tourney

By Susil Premalal

The Asian Football Council (AFC) has imposed a fine of US$ 20,000 on Football Sri Lanka (FSL) after they failed to send their Under-17 Team for the 2022 Qualification Round Group ‘J’, which took place in Uzbekistan in October prior Asian Football Championship 2023.  

The Disciplinary Committee of the AFC, after an investigation in this regard, has  imposed the fine on charges of violating the competition rules and regulations.  

Due to various issues between FSL and the Ministry of Sports, the Sri Lanka Under-17 Team were unable to participate in this tournament, which took place in Uzbekistan from October 5 to 9.  

The FSL had earlier selected a 23-member contingent and five officials in preparation for this tournament, but they were stranded without the air tickets.   

Meanwhile, this fine imposed by the AFC could even worsen the crisis at FSL, which is facing a possible suspension from the World governing body FIFA, reliable sources revealed yesterday.  

All administration activities at FSL came to a standstill on September 23, when the Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe cancelled the Gazette notification, which had allowed a two-month extension period for all national sports associations.