The decision to abolish the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) management committee, taken by Mahindananda Aluthgamage, follows allegations that Fernando had abused $7 million (£5 million/€5.5 million) in direct FIFA grants and $3.5 million (£2.3 million/€2.7 million) in tsunami relief given to the country, although he has never faced action over the claims.

"I dissolved the football committee headed by Manilal Fernando because they have ruined the whole sport," Aluthgamage told Sri Lanka newspaper The Nation.

Sri Lanka have never qualified for the final stages of the FIFA World Cup or the Asian Cup in its 61 year history and the sport ranks a long way behind cricket in popularity on the island in the Indian Ocean.

They are currently ranked 173rd in the world by FIFA, a raise of 17 places from December, when they recorded their lowest ever ranking of 190.

The highest ranking they have ever reached was 122nd in 1998.

Fernando admits in his on-line FIFA profile that his biggest disappointment in football is "the Sri Lankan national team".

Fernando was suspended for 90 days by FIFA last Monday (March 11) in the wake of an investigation opened in October 2012 "in order to prevent interference with the establishment of the truth" regarding ethics proceedings linked to the banned Qatari Mohamed Bin Hammam, former President of the Asian Football Confederation.

Aluthgamage admitted he was as much in the dark as everybody else as to why Fernando had been suspended.

"I don't know why they did it," he said.

Sarath Weerasekera. President of FFSL, claimed he was shocked by FIFA's decision.

"His being in the FIFA board is an honour to Sri Lanka," Weerasekera said.

"I am sure he will come out of this issue and that is what I am praying for."

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