The Court of Appeal today (30) issued notice to the Ministry of Sports to show cause with regard to the crisis in local football.
A petition filed in the CA claims the annulment of a gazette notification extending the term of office of Football Sri Lanka (FSL) without prior notice seriously prejudiced against the petitioner.
There is a grave risk of Sri Lanka being imposed with a ban by the world governing body FIFA due to the continuing political interference in football administration, it also alleges.
After considering the petition, the court ordered the Sports Ministry to make submissions on October 04.
The sports minister’s having dissolved the FSL has reportedly resulted in a complete breakdown of the local football governing body’s functions.
As a result, the payment of salaries to its staff has been suspended, while sending a team to the under-17 Asia Cup qualifier’s first round in Uzbekistan has become problematic.
When contacted, a senior official of the ministry insisted the minister is empowered by the Sports Act to take note of complaints and dissolve sports associations and act appropriately.
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