Bangladesh are set to play in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup after India withdrew from the tournament, giving the national team a late opportunity to test themselves against stronger opposition ahead of the SAFF Championship.
The Bangladesh Football Federation’s National Teams Committee (NTC) unanimously agreed on Friday to accept the invitation if FIFA formally confirms the country’s participation. The FIFA-funded tournament will run in Indonesia from September 24 to October 4.
India pulled out to focus on international commitments, including a friendly against Brazil. Bangladesh have now emerged as the preferred replacement.
NTC member Sayed Hasan Kanon said the committee chose the ASEAN Cup over staging a four-nation tournament in Dhaka because the competition offers tougher opposition and carries no major financial burden for the BFF.
“BFF president and NTC chairman Tabith Awal sought the opinion of NTC members on whether to take part in the FIFA ASEAN Cup or host a four-nation tournament in Dhaka,” Kanon said.
“We unanimously gave our opinion to take part in the FIFA ASEAN Cup as part of the Bangladesh team’s preparation for the upcoming SAFF Championship, as Bangladesh will face better opponents.”
Kanon also explained why the proposal made financial sense for the federation. “Bangladesh will receive participation money while the hosts will provide accommodation and airfare, so it is a good option for us instead of hosting a four-nation tournament in Dhaka,” he said.
The decision has already prompted preparations behind the scenes. BFF president Tabith Awal and the federation secretariat will now complete the formalities, including sending an acceptance letter to the organisers.
BFF vice-president Fahad Karim said he learnt about the opportunity only after the proposal emerged because he does not sit on the National Teams Committee. He then contacted general secretary Emran Hossain to confirm Bangladesh’s participation before informing key players.
“As soon as I heard about FIFA ASEAN Cup I talked with General secretary Emran to ensure,” Fahad said. “After getting the confirmation I have texted Hamza Choudhury, Shamit Shome, Trevor Islam, Farhan Ali Wahid to be ready.”
He said the players then asked about the schedule, which he provided.
Fahad expects coach Thomas Dooley to handle the football preparations, while he also backed Tabith’s technical judgement.
“It’s on the coach Thomas Dooley,” Fahad said. “I am sure, as good as my president Tabith Awal is technically, he will make sure the best preparation for our team.”
The Premier Division will feature eight teams in Indonesia, with Bangladesh potentially joining Group A alongside hosts Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
