FFSL clarifies...

Our attention is drawn to the article in the CDN of 23rd October under heading “Is it fair play’ with regard to the Premier League Division 01 Tournament.

Your article suggests that the teams have complained about the venues chosen for the semi finals. While it may appear to be so on the surface, the Management of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka fully endorses the decisions taken by its Competitions Committee. These decisions are based on the need to take football to the outstations and to encourage all clubs and fans in a wider area. While neutral venues are seemingly ideal, it is not unusual for games to be played in opposite venues which is the basis of home & away competition formats.

Furthermore, all teams were informed well in advance, that the venues for all semi finals and finals matches would be at the discretion of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka which had been the past practice adopted by the Federation.