The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) failed to finalise the appointment of the national team’s next head coach on Wednesday after fresh talks over finances stalled negotiations with former Wales manager Chris Coleman.
BFF president Tabith Awal had earlier set 15 May as the target date to announce the successor to Javier Cabrera. The national team committee held another emergency online meeting on Wednesday but left without a final decision.
Coleman remains BFF’s preferred candidate. The Welsh coach wants to bring his full backroom staff and has reportedly asked for around $35,000 per month with one assistant. Multiple local reports also placed the total monthly coaching cost between Tk 60 lakh and Tk 70 lakh.
BFF can cover only part of that figure. Federation officials now want support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports before they move forward. Tabith plans to speak again with Youth & Sports State Minister Aminul Haque after his return from Turkey on Thursday morning.
One national team committee member said finance now drives the entire process. BFF still want Coleman but cannot guarantee the funding package at this stage.
The federation also discussed alternative options if the Coleman deal collapses. German coach Bernd Storck remains in the frame after BFF interviewed him earlier this week. Brazilian coach Rosario Mikel, who recently joined a club in Brazil’s second division, also returned to discussions.
Committee members also questioned whether such a large investment makes sense with limited fixtures scheduled over the next year. SAFF Championship plans remain uncertain and the tournament could move from September to November or December.
Officials also raised concerns over Bangladesh’s wider football structure. Several members argued that coaching alone would not fix problems linked to infrastructure, grassroots development and the standard of domestic football.
BFF could hold another national team committee meeting on Thursday before making a final decision on Bangladesh’s next head coach.
