By Susil Premalal

The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) has decided to organize an invitational pre-seasonal football tournament titled ‘FFSL President’s Cup 2020’ to bring back the football atmosphere and to promote football entertainment.

Football activities in Sri Lanka were on a hold for a considerable period after the deadly Easter attacks in April 2019 followed by torrential rain in the latter part of that year and then the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020 to date. With the situation easing up, the FFSL is looking forward to re-group stakeholders and bring football back to them.

The top 24 teams in the country based on the last available points table, were invited to take part in this competition which will kick-off on July 26. It will also serve as a platform to scout new talent for national teams.

The FFSL offered financial support for all teams in preparation for the event, including participation and travel cost to reach Colombo for all matches which will be held at the Sugathadasa Stadium and Racecourse Stadium.

However, under the health guidelines and regulations, FFSL would not entertain fans for these matches.

To provide football entertainment to fans, FFSL will arrange live streaming platforms for selected matches through its official YouTube Channel ‘Sri Lanka Football TV’. Matches could be watched on an online platform through a PC or mobile device.

The 20 participating teams are: Defenders FC (SL Army FL), Colombo FC (City FL), Blue Star SC (Kalutara FL), Sea Hawks FC (SL Navy FL), Renown SC (City FL), Ratnam SC (Colombo FL), Up Country Lions SC (Nawalapitiya FL), Blue Eagles SC (SL Air Force FL), Red Stars FC (Beruwela FL), New Youngs FC (Wennappuwa FL), Matara City Club (Matara FL), Java Lane SC (City FL), Saunders SC (City FL), SL Police SC (SL Police FL), Serendib SC (Mawanella FL), Crystal Palace FC (Gampola FL), Super Sun SC (Beruwela FL), New Star SC (Colombo FL), SLTB SC (NSSA) and Moragasmulla SC (City FL)