Bangladesh are already in the semifinals, but Sri Lanka’s place is still open going into Wednesday’s Group A match at the National Stadium in Dhaka. Following Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Bhutan, Sri Lanka coach Abdullah Al Mutairi raised doubts about refereeing in SAFF in his post-match press conference. In an interview with Daily Waadaa, he explained his worries, praised Farhaan Ali Wahid and outlined why the trophy is not his main goal. The excerpts are as follows:
Daily Waadaa: In the press conference after the Bhutan match, you spoke about refereeing issues in the SAFF Championship, not just in the ongoing edition but in previous seasons as well. Do you feel SAFF has a fair play issue?
Abdullah Al Mutairi: I have been following different editions of the SAFF Championship since 2021. Based on my experience, there are certain issues that need to be questioned. If the organisers want Bangladesh and India to reach the final for commercial reasons, then they might as well organise a tournament involving only those two teams. The other teams can be asked to play at a different time. There is no need to waste our time. I want equal opportunities and fairness for every team.
DW: You also expressed doubts about how the refereeing will be during your match against Bangladesh. Are those concerns still there?
AAM: I'm not afraid of anyone. Football is a game of 11 against 11. My concern is not about Bangladesh, but about the neutrality of the refereeing. If we have already seen such decisions against Bhutan, what can we expect when playing against the host nation, Bangladesh? That is my question. I simply want fairness on the pitch.
DW. Like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka is also heavily dependent on their overseas-based players. How do you rate the quality of your sides’ overseas-based players compared to Bangladesh?
AAM: We have around 18 to 19 players of Sri Lankan descent in our squad. Some play in the fifth and sixth divisions in England, while others have played in the German 2nd tier. They have developed in different professional football environments. Bangladesh also have players like Hamza Choudhury, Shamit Shome and Farhaan Ali Wahed. Players of this kind can play an important role in raising the standard of football in South Asia.
DW: You spoke very highly of Farhaan Ali Wahid. What about him impressed you the most and how do you plan to counter him in the match?
AAM: Farhan is an exceptionally talented player. I believe he will become the best footballer in South Asia over the next 10 years. There is something special about him, and I really like him. I have even told my players that I want Farhan's jersey after the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka match. If any of my players try to take his jersey, I will suspend him for a year! However, we will have a team plan in place to stop him on the pitch.
DW: Before the tournament, you had played down your side’s chances of lifting the SAFF trophy. Do you still stand by that statement, or do you believe your charges can lift the trophy?
AAM: As I have said before, winning the SAFF Championship is not our primary objective. I have a four-year plan with the Football Federation of Sri Lanka, and the main target is to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2032 for the first time in our history. If we win the SAFF Championship, I will receive a handsome bonus under my contract. But I do not want to compromise our long-term plans just for the sake of winning one tournament. We are here to compete, fight for results, and enjoy our football.
DW: Sri Lanka must avoid defeat and preferably win against Bangladesh to qualify for the semifinals. After the tough match against Bhutan, what are your expectations from the Bangladesh match?
AAM: No team in the SAFF Championship is easy to beat. Bhutan’s performances have made that quite clear. Bangladesh have always been a tough opponent, and they have become even stronger now. It is going to be a difficult match.
Bangladesh will be playing at home with the support of their fans, while we also have the motivation to prove ourselves. Both teams will want to give their best. I promise that the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka match will be one of the best matches in SAFF Championship history. We will give everything we have, and I am sure Bangladesh will do the same. We are ready for the challenge.