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by Elmo Rodrigopulle

Manilal Fernando. the guardian angel of Sri Lanka football has in a surprise move tendered his resignation from all office that he is holding in the Football Federation of Sri Lanka.

This is a sequel to the uncharitable allegations being made against him in certain sections of the media in recent times.

Fernando's innings in the game of football and its administration which is clean as a whistle, hopes to be back once he clears himself from the wild and damaging allegations that have been made against him. Being an outstanding public figure and holding the high office of Vice President of the Asian Football Confederation, Fernando, no doubt is hurt that his clean image is being sullied, for no fault of his.

Fernando who has given the game, the player and the administration here a never ever before enjoyed status, holds the following positions in the world governing body for the game FIFA and the governing body for Asian football the AFC.

In addition to being the VP of the AFC, Fernando has been appointed by FIFA as a member of the Development Committee for Asia, in which 12 countries come under his care. He is also in the Players Status Committee of FIFA. He is also FIFA's Goal Project man here.

Fernando is also chairman of the Finance Committee of AFC, and member of its Rules and Constitution Committee.

Fernando's crowning moment was when he saw to the completion of the 'Football House', a house of its own for the game, which the game lacked in its history.

Fernando's letter of resignation will be tabled at the Executive and Council meeting to be held on Saturday. According to the Chief Executive of the FFSL, Chrysantha Perera, when he informed the staff at the FFSL about the resignation, they all said that if their boss resigns, they will all go home, In addition the national footballers and the Brazilian coach Marcos Fererria have all decided to quit the game, if Fernando's resignation is accepted.

'Boss has done so much for us. Footballers never had it so good before. Now it is worth playing the game. So how can we allow a man who has done wonders for the game to go', asked a leading national footballer.

As for us if Fernando goes, football will be like a carnival without lights.

When contacted Fernando who did not want to comment said: 'Watch who will score the golden goal.'

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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