The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has opted to suspend the enforcement of a spectator ban at Bashundhara Kings’ home venue, Kings Arena, following recent crowd trouble. Instead of an immediate punishment, the disciplinary committee has issued a suspended sentence: if a similar incident occurs within the next six months, the club will be forced to play six consecutive home matches behind closed doors.
The initial decision to sanction the Kings came in the wake of clashes involving supporters during a recent league fixture. In response, the BFF’s disciplinary committee issued a show-cause notice to the club. Although Bashundhara Kings responded by outlining their position, they also appeared to shift partial blame onto rival clubs Abahani, Mohammedan, and their supporters, while urging the BFF to take a lenient approach.
Though the disciplinary panel initially held firm on the spectator ban, practical realities reportedly prompted a softening of stance. Bashundhara Group is not only a key sponsor of the domestic football league but also the owner of Kings Arena, which is regularly used for BFF-related activities and events.
A member of the disciplinary committee, speaking anonymously to Prothom Alo, said, “We were initially strict due to the severity of the unrest. However, there are practical complications. If the Kings withdraw cooperation, it could leave the Federation in a difficult position. That’s why we were urged to consider a more balanced decision.”
As a result, the six-match spectator ban remains in place but is suspended for six months. Should no further incidents occur within that period, the punishment will automatically lapse. However, a repeat offence will see the full ban enforced immediately.
Separately, Bashundhara Kings defender Sad Uddin, a central figure in the controversy, has also been served with a show-cause notice. He allegedly shoved the match commissioner during the 2 May fixture against Abahani. In his defence, Sad claimed he was in a state of mental imbalance at the time. Under BFF regulations, physical contact with a match official could lead to a suspension of up to six matches.
The disciplinary committee’s crackdown has not been limited to the top flight. Sanctions have also extended to the Bangladesh Championship League (BCL), the country’s second-tier competition. During a match on 11 May between BFF Elite Academy and City Club, three City Club officials were banned for six matches or six months for assaulting the referee. One player and a ball boy have also received bans in connection with the incident.
In addition to suspensions, City Club and two other clubs have each been fined approximately 10,000 BDT.
These decisions were taken at a BFF disciplinary committee meeting held on Monday evening, although no formal public announcement has yet been made.