Bangladesh’s national women’s football team is preparing for a demanding schedule that includes two friendly matches against Singapore during the first week of December. However, uncertainty surrounds the team’s leadership, as head coach Peter Butler will be absent from the dugout due to health complications. Butler is currently in England receiving medical care, making it highly unlikely that he will accompany the squad for the upcoming tour.
Reports from sources within the women’s football setup indicate that Butler is suffering from a serious liver condition that has progressed to a cancerous state. He may require surgery and a lengthy recovery period. Mahfuza Akter Kiron, chair of the Bangladesh Football Federation’s (BFF) women’s wing, confirmed the situation, stating that it is realistically impossible for the coach to return in time for the Singapore matches. She indicated that Technical Director Saiful Bari Titu is the most likely candidate to lead the team in his absence, as there are few other viable alternatives available at this time.
Butler’s tenure with the Bangladesh team has been a subject of internal scrutiny even before this health crisis. Although he guided the team to their first-ever appearance in the Asian Cup group stage, the squad failed to retain their SAFF title and underperformed during the Asian Games. With his current contract set to expire this December, his ongoing medical leave has further cast doubt on his future with the national program. Kiron noted that the federation will evaluate the situation and make a final decision regarding his position after the Singapore series concludes.
Currently, the players are undergoing a training camp in Chattogram to prepare for the upcoming friendlies and are expected to return to Dhaka next week. Once the SAFF tournament concludes, the squad plans to shift their training sessions to the National Stadium. For the time being, coach Abul Hossain is overseeing the team’s daily training operations as the federation navigates the leadership transition.
