Sri Lanka Football President Jaswar Umar has apologised to the nation and the country's football supporters following the national team's failure to reach the final of the SAFF Championship 2026, while promising that the team will return stronger within the next eight months.
In a message addressed to the public, Umar acknowledged the disappointment of supporters who had hoped to see Sri Lanka compete in the final, admitting that the team and its fans had shared the same ambition.
“First and foremost, I wish to sincerely apologise to the people of Sri Lanka and, particularly, to our passionate football fans who stood behind our national team and dreamed of seeing us in the SAFF final. We understand your disappointment because we shared the same dream,” he said.
Umar said the rebuilding of the national team began during one of the most difficult periods in Sri Lankan football. He added that the focus had been on restoring confidence, raising standards and developing a competitive side capable of representing the country with pride.
According to the president, the team's recent progress has been reflected in its improved international results and rise in the FIFA World Rankings from 207 to 184. He described the achievement as significant for a country that had remained outside the top 200 for nearly 15 years.
However, he acknowledged that the 4–0 defeat to Bangladesh was a difficult setback, with individual errors and the pressure of the occasion affecting the team's performance.
Umar stressed that the result should not overshadow the progress made during the rebuilding process, pointing to the team's victories over several higher-ranked opponents as evidence of its potential.
“This is the moment when we must stand together behind our team,” he said, urging supporters not to withdraw their backing during difficult periods.
He also highlighted the importance of continued support, saying that standing behind a team should not depend solely on its results. Umar revealed that Sri Lanka had recorded 12 victories and six draws over the past two years, describing the defeat to Bangladesh as another setback rather than the end of the team's progress.
The president said his broader vision remained focused on bringing sustainable and lasting change to Sri Lankan football, emphasising that the SAFF Championship was an important milestone rather than the ultimate destination.
He added that the team must analyse its shortcomings, learn from its mistakes and use the experience to prepare for future competitions.
Looking ahead, Umar revealed that he had begun discussions to explore the possibility of hosting the next SAFF Championship in Sri Lanka, which is expected to take place in approximately eight months.
He described hosting the regional tournament as a major opportunity for the national team, supporters and the wider football community, potentially giving the country another chance to build momentum following its latest disappointment.
Umar also pointed to renewed public interest in football across Sri Lanka, saying that the sport had once again become a subject of national conversation.
“One thing gives me tremendous confidence: today, the entire country is talking about football again,” he said.
He credited the media, including print, electronic, television, digital and social media platforms, for helping maintain public attention on Sri Lankan football and contributing to the renewed enthusiasm surrounding the national team.
Umar said important changes were being implemented and new foundations were being established to restore the country's footballing standing. He acknowledged that more work remained but reaffirmed his commitment to the long-term development of the sport.
“This defeat has not weakened our determination. If anything, it has strengthened our resolve to work harder, correct our mistakes and achieve greater things,” he said.
Calling on supporters to remain patient and continue believing in the team's development, Umar said Sri Lankan football would continue to progress step by step.
“We will learn. We will rebuild. We will come back stronger. Let’s bounce back, Sri Lanka!” he said.
Sri Lanka's SAFF Championship 2026 campaign ended with a 4–0 defeat to Bangladesh, who advanced to the semi-finals as Group A winners. Umar's latest message signals the federation's intention to use the disappointment as motivation for the next phase of the national team's rebuilding process, with the possibility of hosting the next edition now being explored.
