But here’s the twist: the Sri Lankan team never existed! This mind-blowing scheme was concocted weeks before the event to illegally emigrate to Italy. How did they pull it off? Read on to discover the shocking truth behind this story and the aftermath of it coming to light. 

In 2003, a call came from the founder of the Asian-German Sports Exchange Program about setting up an exhibition match between the German and Sri Lankan national handball teams. Little did he know, the Sri Lankan team that showed up for the photo shoot wearing suits was not a real team. 

Although the phantom handball team incident may have marred the program’s reputation, it doesn’t change how AGSEP played a crucial role in promoting cultural exchange and understanding. 

The team had practiced several times a week to learn the basics of the game. When the exhibition match finally came, the Sri Lankan team performed its best. Despite their efforts, the German team took over the fame, winning by a whopping score of 36-2. It was indeed a crushing defeat. 

Thanks to the AGSEP’s efforts, each Sri Lankan player received visas and arrived in Germany ready to play. In September 2004, the men arrived in Wittislingen, Germany. Despite their background, they were determined to make a name for themselves. 

During their time there, the Sri Lankan team played ten games, showcasing their new skills and determination. It was truly an unforgettable journey for the team. 

Behind the smiles and laughter, the Sri Lankan team had a secret plan. But what could it be? As Rupasinghe later confessed, they were all prepared to leave early the next morning. What was going on with this team? Read on to find out!

He further stated that leaving the hotel in that manner meant that if any of them got caught, they could not disclose where the others were headed. So, the 23-man team left without a trace, leaving nothing but their dirty laundry. 

But a note later disclosed the team was headed to France, and they had even crossed into Italy. The reasons for their hasty disappearance remain a puzzle, yet it’s believed the men were seeking asylum in Europe. 

But were any of the claims true? According to the team’s founder, only three team members were Tamil, one was Muslim, and the rest were Sinhalese. 

Not only was the team not authorized by the ministry, but the organization was clueless about how the team had been formed. Despite this, Doering claimed that an official at the ministry had helped connect his organization with the team’s coach. 

As time went on, claims about the team being a group of terrorists were fueled by the ongoing civil war in Sri Lanka at the time. But Doering kept protecting the Sri Lanka team’s reputation by refuting all allegations. Regardless, that didn’t eliminate the mystery surrounding its disappearance. 

Thomas Weith, a senior prosecutor, noted that these actions were taken after the Sri Lankan Ministry of Sport verified the team was fake. Thus, the team’s bid for asylum had failed. 

Each man had pawned their assets in return for guarantees worth 4,700 euros per person to fund the plan. The players’ family members were left to face terrible financial consequences of their loved ones’ failed asylum bid while the men remained on the run. 

In 2002, Chandana received a mysterious call from his older brother, who lived in Italy. His brother told him about the plan to get Chandana a visa so he could come live in Italy. But the plan required them to learn to play handball and join a fake team. Without hesitation, the men agreed, knowing it was their chance for a new life. 

So, despite the uncertainties and risks, they formed a fake team and traveled to Germany where they would disappear and finally gain entry into Italy—the men were ready to do all it took to start a new life in a foreign land. 

Others, like Rupasinghe, enjoyed success in Italy but returned home in 2008 to support their families. He had a great experience working in an Italian pizzeria, and also retained his visa. The taste of freedom was bittersweet for these men, but they found home was truly where their hearts were. 

Doering, who had organized exchange programs for 15 years, was let down by the news. He informed the BBC’s Sinhala service that he would no longer invite teams from Sri Lanka. 

Each player provided for an average of five to ten family members, and the chance to earn money in Italy through handball was too tempting to deny. While Doering felt foolish, he better understood the men’s actions. Their motive was survival, not defying AGSEP. 

The film captured the humor, surrealism, and daring qualities of the real-life hoax that fooled the world. Pasolini said he was attracted to the cleverness and attitude of the team members who pulled off the audacious plan.