The new season of Bangladesh’s domestic football is scheduled to commence on August 21, yet the participation of reigning league champions Bashundhara Kings and runners-up Abahani Limited remains in doubt. Both clubs have been unable to participate in the current transfer window due to FIFA-imposed sanctions. To compete in the upcoming season, these clubs must resolve their bans and secure the necessary club licensing. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) initially set an August 4 deadline for licensing, which has since been extended to August 7. Whether the clubs can clear their status within this timeframe remains a point of significant concern, especially with the final date for player transfers set for August 13.
Previously, these FIFA sanctions prevented Bashundhara Kings and Abahani from competing in the AFC Challenge League. Abahani Limited manager Satyajit Das Rupu expressed optimism regarding their participation. He informed that the club faced three distinct sanctions, two of which have already been lifted. He remains hopeful that the final issue will be resolved next week through ongoing discussions. The club’s complications arose from contracts signed with three foreign players from Namibia, Ghana, and Syria prior to August 5, 2024. Following political instability in Bangladesh, the club faced operational crises, leading to the cancellation of those contracts. The players subsequently lodged complaints with FIFA for unpaid wages despite not playing in the league. Abahani has reached settlements with the Namibian and Ghanaian players and is currently negotiating with the Syrian player to clear the final hurdle.
Bashundhara Kings face a more precarious situation, with 11 separate complaints filed against them with FIFA, making the process of lifting their bans both complex and time-consuming. Officials from the club have declined to comment on the matter. The situation is particularly sensitive as the BFF’s senior vice president and professional league committee chairman, Imrul Hasan, serves as the president of Bashundhara Kings. Attempts to reach Hasan for comment were unsuccessful, leaving the club’s players in a state of uncertainty regarding their future. One senior player noted that the squad expects to meet with management this week to determine their next steps.
The league requires a minimum of 10 clubs to comply with FIFA regulations, a threshold met last season. To ensure the league proceeds, the BFF has invited Fakirerpool and Arambagh—who were relegated last season—to participate. However, Fakirerpool is also currently under a FIFA ban due to two outstanding complaints. The club has faced internal leadership transitions following the political upheaval two years ago, which resulted in unpaid dues to foreign players. Despite these challenges, the club is actively working to resolve the issues and return to the pitch, and the federation is awaiting their status.
Should Bashundhara Kings and Abahani ultimately fail to resolve their sanctions in time, the integrity of the domestic season could be compromised. In preparation for such an outcome, the BFF is exploring alternatives. In addition to extending invitations to Fakirerpool and Arambagh, the federation has also reached out to Wari Club to ensure the league remains viable for the upcoming season.
