Fakirerpool Young Men’s Club faces an anxious race against time as their place in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) hangs in the balance due to a lingering FIFA transfer ban. The official transfer window closes on 14 August, and unless the club clears its suspension by 8 August, participation this season looks increasingly unlikely.
The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) had earlier asked Fakirerpool Young Men’s Club to confirm their transfer status by 4 August. However, as of today, the ban remains unresolved. In response, BFF’s Professional League Committee held an online meeting with club officials, during which Fakirerpool Young Men’s Club pledged to resolve the issue swiftly and complete player transfers before the window shuts.
Taking that into account, BFF extended the deadline to 8 August. But the message was clear no further extensions will be granted.
Fakirerpool’s current crisis stems from unpaid dues to a former Uzbek player. After failing to honour the contract, the player lodged a complaint with FIFA. The global governing body responded by issuing a transfer ban on the club, which will only be lifted once Fakirerpool clears the total outstanding amount estimated at 2.5 million BDT, including fines and back pay.
Without lifting the ban, the club cannot register any players, making it impossible to compete in the top-tier league.
Meanwhile, Dhaka Wanderers, who were relegated last season, are keeping a close eye on the situation. Should Fakirerpool fail to meet the deadline, Wanderers could be offered a last-minute return to the BPL. The club has already submitted an application to BFF and is ready to act swiftly if the opportunity arises.
“We are waiting for an official decision from the federation,” said Mahbubur Rahman Shahin, General Secretary of Dhaka Wanderers. “If we’re given the green light, we’re confident we can form a competitive squad. We’ve already spoken to several players.”
The coming days are crucial. If Fakirerpool fails to settle its FIFA dispute by 8 August, the door could open for Wanderers to make a dramatic return to top-flight football.