Sri Lanka banned indefinitely: FIFA

Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) has been banned indefinitely by FIFA, the highest governing body of football. This ban has been effective since yesterday (January 21).

 
According to FIFA's official site, the ban was imposed on allegations of third-party interference in the football federation's work.  

Sri Lankan football regulators have deviated from FIFA's prescribed roadmap, the ban explained. Originally, the election of Sri Lanka Football Federation was held on January 14. This measure has been taken in view of complaints of irregularities in this election.

According to FIFA, no representatives of the Sri Lankan Football Federation and clubs will be able to participate in any international competition until the ban is lifted. As per FIFA rules, all memberships to the FFSL have been suspended until further notice.  

The ban means that the FFSL and any of its members cannot be involved in any football development programmes, courses and training programs under FIFA and AFC (Asian Football Council) from now on. But the ban will be discussed at the next FIFA Congress members' meeting. Then the ban may be lifted. But first it has to bring a lot of positive changes in Sri Lankan football.  

India was first banned by FIFA on August 15 last year due to government interference in the football federation. However, the ban was lifted at the end of the same month due to proper action on the complaint. For the same reason, FIFA also banned Pakistan in 2021. Football's governing body lifted the ban following positive changes the following year.