Jaswar Umar, who assumed duties as the new president of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) yesterday (03), has said that he will get the service of a foreign national as the Football Executive Officer.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the richest sports association in Sri Lanka, has also given the position of executive officer of its administration to a Sri Lankan. Therefore, experts in the field said the new FFSL President’s remarks had belittled Sri Lankan executives.

The experts are disappointed with the decision of Umar to send back the amount of US Dollars the country may receive through the sport.

Meanwhile, it is said that Umar has made this statement based on the instructions received by FIFA due to the allegations of financial fraud persisted at FFSL in the past.

Though the appointment of a foreign national as the executive officer will be convenient for the international administration of football, the experts raised concerns that it will lead to practical difficulties for the local administration.

According to media reports, during the first executive committee meeting, Umar has discussed the programme to revive football by giving incentives to football leagues.

The reports further said that discussions were held regarding the strengthening of the football leagues and the launch of inter-club football tournaments. League matches would be provided with financial support as well.

Umar has also said that he will start a project to distribute 10,000 footballs in order to enhance football at school level.

He further said: “It is important to strengthen the football administration. A foreign national will be employed as the football executive. Also, a foreign coach with experience will be recruited for the technical department. The football calendar will also be released as soon as possible.”