Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage’s quest to clean up the administrative set up at the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) over allegations of mismanagement, nepotism and a severe drop in playing standards, has shown evidence of the high living standards of officials who are reported to be neglecting their priorities and working on projects other than for the benefit of the country.
Insiders charged that the CEO of the FFSL Chryshantha Perera, who is drawing a big six-figure salary from the Association has also accepted a post with the game’s global governing body FIFA by courtesy of Manilal Fernando, the now suspended FIFA Executive Committee member.
A former banking officer, Perera is working as the FIFA assistant development officer in South Asia, drawing a salary to the tune of
Rs. 500,000 a month, in addition to all other perks including business class travel and per-diems paid by the parent body.
His involvement with FIFA is such that he is reported to have paid less attention to work at the Football Federation of Sri Lanka to the point where standards took a severe beating over the last decade according to other members in the FFSL.
“This is actually the bottle-neck in football. For over two-decades as CEO he has served more of his interests while neglecting the game at home. He has managed to survive with the support he receives from Fernando,” an official said on condition of anonymity.
He claimed that one reason why the annual domestic Champions League soccer tournament was not held last year was because the CEO was busy serving his other employer, FIFA.
“How can he work full time in two places”, he asked.
“As the CEO, he should have a vision for the sport, but what vision does he have? If he has any, has he been successful in achieving them after holding onto a position, enjoying all perks for over a decade”.
With the influential Fernando receiving marching orders when the sports minister disbanded the management committee, experts say drastic changes are needed to turn the tide around.
