A Brazil-Bangladesh friendly would fulfil the dreams of millions of fans, but Youth and Sports State Minister Aminul Haque does not believe one high-profile match would transform the country’s football.
Brazil’s potential visit has dominated discussion in Bangladesh over the past few days. The five-time world champions have expressed interest in coming to the country, while the Bangladesh Football Federation is exploring the possibility of arranging a friendly against the national team.
Such a match would require significant government support. A BFF official also said on Sunday that government involvement would prove crucial if the federation decides to pursue the fixture.
Aminul, a former Bangladesh captain and Brazil supporter, said the proposal remains at an early stage. He also confirmed that he has spoken to BFF president Tabith Awal about the possibility.
“The matter is still at a preliminary stage. I have spoken with BFF president Tabith Awal,” Aminul said after attending a boxing coaching course on Tuesday.
“We have not openly discussed the costs and other related issues. If there is further discussion, we will try to make it happen.”
Bangladesh has a huge following for Brazil and Argentina, particularly during the World Cup. A match against Brazil would therefore carry enormous appeal.
Aminul, however, believes the impact on the country’s football would remain limited if the fixture stands alone.
“Brazil coming to Bangladesh is positive. But I am not very optimistic about how much Bangladesh football will advance by playing against Brazil,” he said.
“If Bangladesh play against the world champions, it will fulfil a dream. Brazil and Argentina have huge support in Bangladesh, especially during the World Cup, so a Bangladesh-Brazil match would fulfil the fans’ wishes. But I do not agree that Bangladesh football will change after playing Brazil.”
The minister pointed instead to the problems that have held Bangladesh football back for years, particularly infrastructure and the development of young players.
“We have problems with football infrastructure. The federation is working and we are also providing support,” he said.
“Through Notun Kuri, we are also trying to identify talented athletes in football and other sports.”
Bangladesh last hosted a major South American side in 2011, when Argentina faced Nigeria in Dhaka. The financial burden from that fixture still weighs on the BFF, while the success of the event fuelled years of calls for Brazil to follow Argentina to Bangladesh.
A Brazil visit would still represent a major achievement if the federation can overcome the financial and logistical hurdles.
“The matter is still at a very preliminary stage. The BFF has shown the venue to the Brazilian delegation. They will give us a summary on the matter,” Aminul said.
“If Brazil come and play against Bangladesh, that will certainly be a very big achievement.”
