New Football League Announced

The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) has officially announced the launch of the 2025 Super League and Champions League, two of the country’s premier football competitions. Set to begin in early April following the conclusion of the Asian Cup Qualifiers in March, the new domestic football season promises to bring renewed excitement and energy to fans across Sri Lanka.

The Super League, which was first conceptualised by FFSL President Jaswar Umar during his tenure as General Secretary, is Sri Lanka’s first-ever semi-professional football league. Launched in 2021 with financial support and operational guidance from FIFA consultants, the league has quickly become the country’s top-tier football competition, featuring ten elite clubs who were selected based on stringent licensing and operational criteria.

The inaugural season of the Super League faced significant challenges due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in a shortened schedule of 45 matches. However, under President Umar’s leadership, the league resumed and successfully concluded in 2022, solidifying its place as a key fixture in Sri Lanka’s sporting calendar.

In response to the difficulties caused by the pandemic, President Umar ensured that all participating clubs received financial assistance to help them navigate the tough circumstances. Each club was allocated approximately Rs.6 million, with additional prizes awarded to top-performing teams, reflecting FFSL’s dedication to supporting the growth of football in Sri Lanka.

The 2025 Super League season is shaping up to be an even more thrilling spectacle, with the same ten clubs eligible to participate, provided they meet the required licensing and entry criteria. A promotion and relegation system will add a new layer of excitement to the competition, with the two lowest-ranked teams being relegated, while the two top-performing clubs from the Champions League will be promoted to the Super League. This structure promises to foster a dynamic and highly competitive environment.

In addition to the on-field action, the FFSL is actively working with commercial partners and sponsors to enhance the league’s commercial appeal and fan engagement. These initiatives are aimed at attracting a broader audience, further cementing the Super League as a marquee event in Sri Lankan football in 2025.

The Champions League, which serves as a feeder league to the Super League, will kick off in February 2025. With 14 clubs competing for the chance to earn promotion, the Champions League will provide an important platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills and advance to the top tier of Sri Lankan football.

In a move to modernise the league and streamline operations, FFSL is also introducing an online player registration system for all clubs. This system will ensure greater efficiency, transparency, and ease of registration for all participating clubs, with the process opening this week.

Looking to the future, the FFSL is more committed than ever to developing football in Sri Lanka, guided by the vision and leadership of President Jaswar Umar.

“The Super League is not just a competition; it’s a movement to transform football in Sri Lanka. Our goal is to create a sustainable, competitive, and exciting league that inspires players, fans, and stakeholders alike,” said President Umar.