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| Tuesday, 19 October 2004 |
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Over the moon feeling Comment by Elmo Rodrigopulle The Football Federation of Sri Lanka headed by DIG Gamini Randeni and especially its former President and now Senior Vice President of the Asian Football Confederation Manilal Fernando must be having that over the moon feeling. That is because the FFSL and Fernando were praised and applauded for the things they are doing for the player, the game and the administration by Dr. Linsi, General Secretary FIFA and Mohammed Bin Hammam, President, AFC who were here for the opening of the National Training Centre in Baddegana and for the Vernon Fernando Sports Complex in Kalutara. Fernando was also singled out for praise by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse, Sports Minister Jeevan Kumaratunga, his deputy Sripathi Sooriyaarachchi and the representatives of the Japanese and Korean Embassies. What would have warmed the cockles for Fernando, would have been the vote of confidence that the General Secretary of FIFA gave him. Dr. Linsi blew the whistle on Fernando's critics when he said that the money given by FIFA for the building of the 'Football House' and the Training Centre were well spent and that the funds were audited by FIFA auditors and Fernando given a blank cheque. In fact Sepp Blatter, the big boss of FIFA and close friend of Fernando was amazed at how well the money was spent, that he has said that if Fernando asks more for development, he would only be too glad to oblige. These same sentiments were expressed by Bin Hammam, President AFC. Dr. Linsi and Hammam, who know what they are talking about, were also happy with the progress that the game has made here. They said that Goal Projects were granted after careful study as to how the game is progressing. 'In this aspect, Sri Lanka has done well and indications are that the game is in for more improvement. Blatter and all in FIFA are following the game's progress here and Fernando has only to ask for more, and more Goal Projects would be unhesitatingly granted', said Dr. Linsi. AFC President Hammam too said that the AFC is ever willing to help Fernando in this endeavours to do things for the game, the player and the administration. Not only has Fernando done wonders for the game, he has also with his honesty and integrity taken the good name of the country to nearly 200 countries that play the game. It would be appropriate to honour him by tagging him Sri Lanka's footballing Ambassador. Fernando was held in high esteem by FIFA the governing body, so much so that they made use of his expertise in the legal field, that they appointed him in their Legal Committee. Isn't that great. Then AFC too realising the immense contributions he is making for the game, embraced him into the AFC and now he is one of the Senior Vice Presidents with indications that the top post would be his before long. So it is time for everyone to join him and play for him and help him to score that elusive goal that of being President, AFC which would be a great honour to player, game, administration and country. At one time, football was a very popular sport in the country. But sadly it is not so now, because all want to play cricket. Fernando and the FFSL have a vital role to play in this aspect and restore the game to its former popularity. The FFSL must find ways to make the game more attractive. Anandaraja not forgotten The late J. S. N. Anandaraja who was in the thick and thin of the game for over three decades and who did his best for the game here and abroad was aptly rewarded by the AFC and its President Bin Hammam. The AFC who is ever ready to acknowledge, applaud and reward a good deed, granted US$ 100 thousand in his memory to his son Ramkumar who had flown in from Canada to accept the magnanimous gesture of the AFC. Speaking on the occasion Hammam had good words for Anandaraja and said that his contributions to the game internationally was what prompted them to make this grant. Anandaraja at the time of his untimely demise was in the Disciplinary Committee of the AFC, having earlier held all top posts in the FFSL. |
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