A media briefing was held at the Football House for the announcement of the Vantage FA Cup for the year 2019.
The great Sri Lankan Football muddle
The biggest single sporting event in the World, the FIFA World Cup will see its 22nd…
The President of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) Anura De Silva, General Secretary of the FFSL Jaswar Umar, Chairman of Ebony Holdings Rasmy Raheem along with the other officials were present.
The oldest running competition in Sri Lanka Football, The FA Cup will be sponsored by Vantage for the year 2019. The 52nd edition will kick off on 30th March and will be worked off around the island through respective leagues.
The 1st tournament dates back to 1948. Saunders SC have won most titles with 15 and defending the title will be Army SC who has won it for the past 3 years, consecutively.
Competitions Manager Asif Ansar addressing the gathering first, briefed on the format of the tournament;
“A total of 827 clubs from 63 leagues have registered for the competition. As it was last year, the tournament will be held in three stages namely – Preliminary Stage, District Stage and National Stage.
The Preliminary Stage will be conducted at League level on a knockout basis and 64 winners from this round will move to District Level. 32 teams who qualified from last year’s final round will join the District champions in the National Stage.
An open draw mechanism will be maintained from the round of 32 making it more exciting for the spectators. A total of 731 matches will take place in the Preliminary round, 32 matches in District Stage and 63 matches in the National Stage.”
President of the FFSL Anura De Silva addressing the media shared his views;
“We gradually increased the numbers and now it has gone to 800 plus, the clubs have come forward to participate and that shows the passion. We have seen tremendous growth and it’s our responsibility to transform the status and deliver.
Knockout tournaments are played all over the world and we follow suit, and this gives opportunity and challenge for the teams. You have to perform on that day as every match is critical and play to advance to the next level. Top teams can fail in the knockout tournaments.
Huge challenge for the referees and competition department to coordinate and complete the tournament in time. We want to do something for football, we are confident in getting it completed as planned.”
Read More: Champions Army crush Saunders in chaotic final
Addressing the media present Mr. Rasmy Raheem Chairman of Ebony Holdings Vantage Group said;
“Vantage is one of the leading men’s fashion brands in the country. Recognized as a valued brand amongst public, we believe we have a responsibility towards uplifting sports in the country. FA Cup in Sri Lanka is a historical tournament that covers the entire spectrum of Sri Lankan football community.”
It is a tremendous privilege for Vantage to be the driving force supporting this tournament along with the Football Federation of Sri Lanka. It was a long-term dream to be a part of the FA Cup and we managed this time to have the sponsorship of the entire tournament.”
General Secretary FFSL Jaswar Umar;
“The numbers itself show the growth and transformation from 100 teams to 700 to 800 this year. Shows the FA Cup brand and we have seen a tremendous growth in football with the youth specially after the war. The passion and the potential for the game is huge.
Sri Lanka Football is a growing brand in the country we are growing step by step. Last 3 years we have done practical and valuable changes. The new concept of stages was done looking at the country and the enthusiastic people and local community.”
Photo Album : Vantage FA Cup 2019 | Press Conference
Mohamed Musfir Marketing Manager Ebony Holdings stated;
“The game of football is passion and energy, aligned with the brand Vantage. The FA Cup has a legacy that Ebony group is glad to be part of and which will benefit the youth, national football, culture and public.”
TOTO Sports are the sponsors of the match balls for the entire tournament and will supply the required number of balls for every game.
>>For more Football News Click Here<<
