Bangladesh’s women’s team flew to Bangkok on Thursday for a fortnight-long camp before the SAFF Women’s Championship in Goa, but nine of the 32-strong travelling group stayed back in Dhaka after Thai visa delays.
A source of BFF confirmed the squad split. Goalkeepers Rupna Chakma and Mile Akter sat out the morning departure, along with coaching staff and federation officials.
According to source two goalkeepers Mile Akter and Rupna Chakma, and coaching staff and officials, nine in total, could not travel today as they did not receive their visas. The federation is in touch with the Thai embassy. If the visas come through today, the rest of the members will leave tomorrow.
Three travellers did not need Thai visas. Head coach Peter Butler holds an English passport, fitness coach Cameron Lord holds an American one, and one Bangladesh player holds a Swedish passport. They boarded the US-Bangla flight with the main party.
The squad will train in Thailand until 21 May. The Bangladesh Football Federation has booked two club friendlies during the camp before the team moves on to Goa.
The tournament runs from 25 May to 6 June. Bangladesh have won the SAFF Women’s Championship twice unbeaten and chase a hat-trick this year.
The federation says the nine who missed Thursday’s flight will follow on Friday once Thai missions clear their visas.
