The world’s largest youth football league has been suspended for four years, and now frustrated players and organisers are demanding its immediate resumption.
Once a breeding ground for Bangladesh’s top football talents, the Pioneer Football League has not been held since 2021. In its absence, thousands of aspiring players have aged out of the youth category, their dreams of stardom fading away without a platform to showcase their skills. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), the governing body of football in the country, has been accused of indifference.
On Wednesday, officials from several clubs gathered outside the BFF headquarters in Dhaka to stage a protest demanding the league’s return. Among those present were Gazi Selim, founder of Gazi Selim Football Academy, Shahadat Hossain, vice-president of Laiju Kids Football Academy, Shariful Islam, general secretary of Probhaty Football Academy, Shahriar Ahmed, general secretary of Padma Mohammedan Sports Academy, and Syed Abdullah Harun Rana, general secretary of FC United Feni.
Other club representatives included Md Dipu from Friends and Brothers Sports Academy, Rakib Bhuiyan from Sokal Club Sunamganj, Alomgir Hossain from Mahanagar Krira Chakra, Tajul Islam from Nowapara Kishore Ekadosh Football Academy, Md Ali from Darus Salam Sporting Club, and Md Jitu Alam representing Arambagh Football Academy Junior.
The league was last played in 2021 under the chairmanship of Mohidur Rahman Miraj. Despite its scale and importance, it was not made a regular fixture. In 2024, following the BFF elections, Haji Tipu Sultan was appointed chairman of the Pioneer League committee and is reportedly working to bring the league back.
Speaking at the protest, Gazi Selim said, “We have taken to the streets to demand the immediate restart of the league. If this does not happen, we will build a larger movement.” He added, “There are 70 to 80 teams in the Pioneer League. We’ve already registered. Every year we’re told the league will begin soon, yet nothing happens. From this league came players like Sheikh Mohammad Aslam, Rumman Bin Wali Sabbir, Samrat Hossain Emily, the late Monem Munna and Sayeed Hassan Kanan.”
Selim warned that the absence of youth football is leading children towards destructive paths. “Boys are turning to gangs and drugs. Over the past four years, nearly 20,000 talented players have been deprived of the chance to play. Ten days ago, Haji Tipu Sultan held a meeting with us and promised a decision within a week. But we’ve heard nothing since. Everyone is focused on senior football, while the foundation of player development is being ignored.”
Shahadat Hossain of Laiju Kids Football Academy echoed the concerns. “Talented boys are growing up without playing competitive football. Dreams of becoming stars are being lost. Many have already been denied their chance. We demand that the Pioneer League be restarted this year.”