Jaswar Umar Appointed SAFF Vice President, Marking a New Milestone for Sri Lankan Football

Sri Lankan football has reached another significant milestone with Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) President Jaswar Umar being unanimously appointed Vice President of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF).

The appointment was confirmed at the SAFF Executive Committee Meeting held in Bhutan, reflecting the trust and confidence placed in Mr. Umar by all seven SAFF member nations — Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives.

Mr. Umar’s elevation to this regional leadership position highlights his growing influence in football administration and development. Since taking over as FFSL President, he has played a key role in driving progress within Sri Lankan football, with the national team improving its position by more than 20 places in the FIFA World Rankings and achieving its highest ranking in over 15 years.

Under his leadership, Sri Lankan football has also focused on strengthening governance structures, enhancing domestic competitions, expanding youth development programmes, and creating a stronger foundation for long-term growth of the sport.

Beyond his regional responsibilities, Mr. Umar continues to contribute to global football development through his roles as a member of the FIFA Grassroots Football Committee and the AFC Development Committee, representing Sri Lanka on important international platforms.

His appointment as SAFF Vice President marks not only a personal achievement but also a proud moment for the country’s football community. With the upcoming SAFF Championship scheduled for November, Sri Lanka looks forward to continued progress and greater achievements under his leadership.

The milestone reinforces Sri Lanka’s growing presence in South Asian football and its ambition to reach new heights on the international stage.