28/05/2026
How many more talented footballers must Sri Lanka lose before the system changes?”
Another young football talent has reportedly been pushed aside, and once again Sri Lankan football fans are left asking the same painful question is our football really developing, or are they destroying our future football ?
According to a recent source 16-year-old Royal College footballer Azmaan Khan, regarded by many as one of the country’s brightest young prospects, was left out of Sri Lanka’s final AFC Under-17 squad despite an outstanding record at school and academy level.
This is not just about one player.
This is about a system that continues to disappoint young footballers, parents, coaches, and fans who truly care about the future of Sri Lankan football.
Azmaan Khan’s performances speak for themselves,his achievements over 130 career goals at school and club level, MVP honours in major youth tournaments, international academy exposure in Thailand and Malaysia, and recognition as one of the most technically gifted players of his generation. Yet despite all this, he was reportedly dropped from the final squad while Sri Lanka struggled in competition.
When supporters raise concerns about these decisions, we are often accused of “pulling legs” or “being negative.” But questioning unfair selections is not negativity.Asking for transparency is not hatred. Wanting merit-based football is not an attack on the game.
Real football development does not happen through speeches, media conferences, or social media posts. Development happens when talented players are protected, encouraged, and given fair opportunities to represent their country.
Unfortunately, Sri Lankan football has seen too many stories of favouritism, poor selection processes, and talented youngsters disappearing before reaching their full potential. Even previous reports in local media have raised concerns about questionable youth selections and players being overlooked despite proven performances.
How can Sri Lanka dream of competing with Asia when the very players capable of lifting our standards are ignored?
How many more “Azmaan Khans” are we going to lose?
Football belongs to the players who earn it on the pitch, not to politics, favourites, or closed-door decisions.
Sri Lankan football does not need silence anymore.
It needs accountability.It needs fairness.It needs real development.
Protect local talent before it is too late.Refresh Sri Lanka Football.Stop destroying the future of the game.
Help our football
Anura Kumara Dissanayake
