After weeks of uncertainty over the start of the domestic season, the Bangladesh Football League 2026-27 is finally set to begin on Friday, September 18, with five matches scheduled across the country.
The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) had initially planned to start the new domestic season in late August, but the schedule was pushed back after several clubs requested a delay. The league was eventually fixed for September 18, although doubts remained until the final week over whether the date would hold.
The uncertainty grew further when 10 clubs, including Abahani Limited, Mohammedan SC and Brothers Union, opposed starting the league and Federation Cup while their national-team players were away preparing for the ASEAN Cup. The clubs submitted a six-point proposal to BFF president Tabith Awal and called for the domestic competitions to begin after the return of the national players.
The clubs also raised concerns over repeated interruptions to the domestic calendar, saying they affected their finances as well as players’ fitness and match rhythm. Around 28 players from several league clubs were then part of the national-team camp.
Despite the objections, the Professional League Committee decided to retain September 18 as the starting date. BFF also opted to continue domestic matches during the FIFA window, meaning clubs will have to play without their players involved with the national team.
The final league fixtures were not immediately distributed to the clubs, adding to the uncertainty. The fixtures were eventually sent to clubs and the media on the night of September 13, confirming that five matches would be played on the opening day.
The opening ceremonies on Friday will be held at 2:45pm, followed by the first matches at 3:00pm at five venues- Bashundhara Kings Arena in Dhaka, Shahid Barkat Stadium in Gazipur, Chandpur District Stadium, Gopalganj District Stadium and Shahid Miraj-Tapan Stadium in Manikganj.
The Federation Cup is scheduled to begin on September 22, just four days after the league gets underway.
