Daily Mirror - Print Edition

FIFA World Cup Qualifier FFSL keen to host Macau in Colombo

10 Jun 2019 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}      

The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) has assured maximum security for the Macau National Team ahead of their World Cup Qualifier which is scheduled for June 11 at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Earlier, Macau had informed the FFSL that they will not send a team to Sri Lanka citing security fears following the deadly Easter Sunday suicide attacks in Colombo.
However, the decision sparked a rebuke from Sri Lanka’s football authorities who insisted the country was safe for international matches and that their team had a right to play on home soil.
“It is paramount important for any national team to play on their home soil in front of home fans and specially in FIFA Qualifiers which falls only in every four years,” said Umar Jaswar, Secretary FFSL.    
“We have fulfilled all security requirements and the AFC and FIFA has accepted our security plans to play this game,” he added. 
Meanwhile, the official Match Coordination Meeting is scheduled for today and should the Macau team fail to report then the AFC will make an official decision. 
If Macau fails to report to the game the match will be awarded to Sri Lanka according to the regulations. 
(SP)