Fouzul Hameed Demands Urgent Reforms for Sri Lankan Football: “Enough is Enough”

In a passionate and no-holds-barred critique, Fouzul Hameed—respected entrepreneur, philanthropist, and lifelong football supporter—has called for immediate and sweeping reforms across Sri Lanka’s football system. Hameed, former Zahira College football captain and Co-Founder of the AC Milan Academy in Colombo, believes the sport in Sri Lanka is at a breaking point due to chronic mismanagement, lack of professionalism, and a complete collapse of structure.

“This is not personal—it’s a wake-up call,” Hameed told the Daily Mirror. “Especially at the school level, if we build a proper system, we might finally see decent results.”

Hameed, a fixture in Sri Lankan football for over 20 years, believes the sport has been hijacked by corrupt, self-serving officials. “For the past decade, I’ve told players to focus on their studies and treat football as a hobby. There’s no future in it right now—no careers, no livelihood,” he admitted.

Once celebrated as a game for the common man, Hameed says football in Sri Lanka has become an elite hobby dominated by individuals with no real understanding of the game. “Talent doesn’t matter anymore. Football is now controlled by politics and greed. Players are ignored, and tournaments are poorly organized with no structure or respect for the athletes,” he said.

His sharpest criticism targets grassroots football, especially in schools. “Our school system is a disaster,” he declared. “There’s no coaching, no talent nurturing, and no structured calendar. Finals are played in extreme heat at unsafe venues without medical support or security. It’s disrespectful and dangerous.”

Hameed compared the current state of football to the glamor and prestige of school rugby and cricket in Sri Lanka. “Look at the marketing and recognition rugby and cricket get. Meanwhile, football finals happen in near anonymity,” he pointed out. “The wrong people are running the game—people with no vision, no strategy, and no passion.”

He highlighted Zahira College’s legacy in football, producing nearly 100 national players, but warned that even his alma mater may withdraw from tournaments due to poor organization. “Give us one tournament and a proper venue, and we’ll show you how it’s done,” he challenged.

Beyond schools, Hameed blames national football’s decline on poor leadership. “Our officials have no playing background or vision. They’re in it for power and influence, not for the sport,” he said. “How many of them have even played football? They don’t understand the grassroots struggle.”

Hameed called on the Ministry of Sports and the President to cleanse football administration. “We need leaders with values and professionalism. Sports builds character, but only if the system is clean,” he stressed. “Give school football to people who care. Let us run it, and we’ll show what real football looks like.”

He pointed out the devastating effects of mismanagement, referencing Sri Lanka’s humiliating 8-0 defeat to India and the use of fake jerseys by national players due to underfunding. “This is beyond embarrassing—it’s a disgrace,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Hameed remains determined to help restore Sri Lankan football. “Football can unite this country. It’s not just a game; it’s about identity, dignity, and hope. But it needs the right people in charge. Enough is enough.”