The conference that shaped our football
Local soccer split asunder by two warring factions in early 1962, resulted in the formation of a parallel body called the National Football Federation of Ceylon. Its leader was late. Hon. V.A. Sugathadasa, the veteran politician and ardent soccer supporter.
The Ceylon Football Association, the original national body led by that scholar late. Dr. Nandadeva Wijesekera was leading in a diametrically opposite direction to that of the National Football Federation and the situation was seemingly hopeless for the sport. However, men of proven ability, experience and expertise from both camps, were rich in character and credibility, and cast aside differences and divisions to merge into a single force for the greater good of the sport.
Football in Sri Lanka -- still very much a poor man’s game and joy - Pic by Amila Gamage
Men like late. Messrs V.K. Arumugam, A.W. Musafer , Charles Heenatigala, David Nanayakkara, Lionel Fernando , Arasaratanam, H. Hamid, M.E. Velayutham, Dr. A.R.M. Waffarn, S.K. Goonewardene, Sam Varghese and M. Jeevaratnam to name a few, were broad in both mind and heart, and apart being knowledgeable and versatile administrators , they certainly were of an infinitely higher grain than the mediocrities we see today.
They were not of such stuff as to look after the media to publicise themselves either. While their actions went unsung and unrewarded, they contributed effectively to the growth and development of the game in no uncertain manner.
Amidst such a galaxy of men of men of stature and calibre, the late V.K. Arumugam was like the moon amongst the stars. Shuffling from place to place, and camp to camp, meeting and discussing divergent views of the two factions. He finally brought to bear a feeling and need to close ranks and forge as one body.
It was on a Sunday morning, December 06th 1962; the Ceylon Football Association convened a round table conference of the splinter groups amidst an atmosphere of healthy and friendly camaraderie. There was tremendous goodwill and much bonhomie, with a typical feeling of joy at dear friends meeting each other after such a long lapse. Dr. Wijesekera, the affable and amiable literary genius was at hand to greet the flamboyant politician Hon. Sugathadasa, while the rest mingled with each other with a sense of trust and good cheer.
The good Doctor opening the discussion requested all to bury their difference since the meeting was not aimed to find who was wrong or who was right, but to unite and find ways and means to promote the sport. The Late Arumugam, the architect of the unity effort, proposed that the Ceylon Football Association bring back to its fold all the Leagues and Associations which deserted it. Although this meant that the National Football Federation would automatically dissolve itself, its spokesmen A.W. Musafer, moved that the status quo of the member leagues of the Ceylon Football Association be restored as at 25th March 1962, the date on which the unfortunate division took place. This was accepted by the house overwhelmingly.
Then Wattala’s eloquent speaker Lionel Fernando moved that all disciplinary measures taken by the Ceylon Football Association on players and officials consequent to, and as a result of the breakaway be rescinded. This proposed too, had a unanimous passage. However when Arumugam suggested that the office bearers of the Ceylon Football Association resign voluntarily a few diehards showed signs of initial resentment. At this juncture both Messrs M.H. Yusoof – the Hony Treasurer and M.W. Silva – the Hony Asst. Secretary, expressed their willingness to resign, if that would help to resolve any differences.
Lionel Fernando said that the National Football Federation had taken a courageous and conciliatory decision in dissolving its own creation and agreeing to transfer all their assets to the Ceylon Football Association. He called for a reciprocal act of goodwill from the Ceylon Football Association to match the magnanimity of the splinter group. After much deliberations and exchange of divergent view points, Lionel Fernando moved that “In view of the willingness of the officials of the National Football Federation to dissolve the Federation and resign from office and view of the willingness of the Ceylon Football Association to accept the re-affiliation of all Leagues and the service at present disaffiliated, this conference resolves that all office bearers of the Ceylon Football Association and the National Football Federation, cease to hold office on 20.01.1963 and a Special General Meeting be held on that date to:- (1). Amend such rules as are necessary to grant validity to elect office bearers on 20.01.63 and) ( 2). To elect the office bearers of the Ceylon Football Association for the year 1963, who will hold office until March 1964”? This proposal was unanimously accepted by the conference, and in consequence, a committee comprising of Messrs A.W. Musafer, Lionel Fernando. P.M.S. Wijeyasundaram (as convener), S.K. Goonewardene, V.K. Arumugam, Major. V.G. George and C.H.M. King was appointed to conduct a Special General meeting of the Ceylon Football Association on 20.01.63 to give official approval to the resolution passed at the conference.
It was indeed a red letter day in the annals of local football, and to the eternal credit of those prudent wise and cultured men, the game survived and strengthened on their exemplary sacrifice and service. In the concluding stages of this epoch making conference, the Late Hon. V.A. Sugathadasa, on a request from the late V.K. Arumugam, agreed to re-instate the three Municipal players namely M.A. Ameer, Basil Fonseka and P.D. Sirisena , who earlier lost their jobs, caught between the cross fire of football politics.
It was a clash of intellectuals who were competent and experienced, and knew the subject with authority and thoroughness. Unlike today, when a couple of professionals keep under their thumbs some mediocrities who, for many reasons, shall not raise their brow against their masters , the old order had a galaxy of clever and brilliant men who were totally independent in thought and action, making the National Body somewhat a seat of learning. Football need such personalities, if it is to reach Asian and International standards. What a pity that we do not have even a modicum of such talent and knowledge today.
That is one of the major reasons for the decadence of football here, in recent times. Only providence could save us from this calamity, not rules and regulations, as we have brilliant men who could circumvent the rule effortlessly.
It is when we see Football in its correct perspective today, that we begin to evaluate the superb performance of the old order and perhaps in silence, appreciate their contributions which ensured that our tiny country never played second fiddle to India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Burma (now Myanmar), Bangladesh (then east Pakistan) and a host of European outfits. There were no grants, or sponsorships then, nor seats for us in Asian and world forums, but they were great personalities and not great pretenders.