Jaswar Umar, president of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka, has been unanimously elected as Vice President of the South Asian Football Federation at a meeting in Bhutan, receiving backing from all seven member associations.

Sri Lanka's football administration has achieved a significant milestone with the unanimous election of Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) President Jaswar Umar to the position of Vice President of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF). The election took place during the SAFF Executive Committee meeting held in Bhutan, with Umar securing support from all seven SAFF member associations: India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Umar's elevation to this regional leadership role reflects developments within Sri Lankan football during his tenure, which began just over two years ago. Under his administration, the country's FIFA World Ranking has improved by approximately 20 positions, moving from 207 to 187. According to the reports, this represents Sri Lanka's highest ranking in more than 15 years. His leadership has also focused on implementing governance reforms, strengthening domestic competitions, and expanding youth and grassroots football development initiatives.

Beyond his new SAFF responsibilities, Umar currently holds positions on both the FIFA Grassroots Football Committee and the AFC Development Committee. These appointments underscore his recognition within international football administration. Football observers have noted that Sri Lanka appears to be entering a promising period for the sport, with momentum building both administratively and competitively. The focus will now shift to the upcoming SAFF Championship scheduled for November, where Sri Lanka will seek to win the regional title for the first time in several decades.

Separately, Bangladesh's Kazi Salahuddin was re-elected unopposed as SAFF president for a fifth consecutive term at the SAFF Congress held in Thimphu on Saturday.