The Bangladesh Football Federation has decided not to extend the contract of head coach Javier Cabrera beyond April 30. However, he can still apply for the job again through the usual process.
National team committee member and BFF media committee chairman Amirul Islam Babu confirmed this after a meeting on Saturday.
Cabrera has led the team for more than four years. But he has not brought strong results. His team selection and match plans have also been questioned. Many in local football feel he has nothing more to give.
Babu said, “His tenure runs until April 30. Within this time we will search for good coaching CVs. He can also apply if he wants. We will interview candidates and appoint the one we find suitable or better.”
He also explained the open process. “We are not giving him any special chance. If he wants, he can apply. If he applies, he must go through the same interview process.”
Cabrera still wants to stay. During his last contract extension, there were reports that he used players to speak in his favour to BFF officials. He is still in touch with different groups. This has made the coaching decision unclear to many.
The BFF also plans to hire a goalkeeping coach for two years. “Like the head coach, we want a goalkeeping coach for two years. The selection will follow the same process,” Babu said. Usually, the head coach brings someone from his own country for this role. It is not clear if that will happen this time.
There is a FIFA window in early June. Bangladesh may play a four nation tournament in Maldives then. Babu said, “We are working on both Thailand and Maldives. It is certain that Bangladesh will play in the June window.”
If a new coach joins after April 30, he will get about one month to prepare. There is also talk that Cabrera could stay for a short time in June if a new coach is not finalised.
The meeting also discussed goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico. Some members criticised the coach for not calling players to camp after naming the preliminary squad. One member called his actions controversial.
There was no formal farewell for Cabrera. Some BFF officials also spoke to the media about the committee. This left several members unhappy.
