Bangladesh forward Al Amin has been suspended for 15 matches by FIFA over his involvement in the clash between Bangladesh and Maldives players during a four-nation tournament in June.
A Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) official confirmed the decision to Dhaka Post, saying the federation received FIFA’s letter last week. However, Al Amin has not yet been formally informed of the punishment.
“I have not been told anything yet, so I don’t know anything,” Al Amin reacted.
The incident occurred during the final match of the tournament, when Bangladesh’s Olympic team faced the hosts, the Maldives. The game ended with players from both sides involved in a physical confrontation after tensions rose on the field.
FIFA had already fined Bangladesh manager and player Mirajul Islam following the incident, while Al Amin’s case was kept under review. The governing body has now imposed the longer suspension on the forward.
Given that Bangladesh usually play very few international matches a year, the ban could prevent Al Amin from appearing at the international level for close to two years, depending on the fixtures covered by the suspension.
The punishment comes as a setback for the young forward, who is regarded as one of Bangladesh’s most promising players.
The Olympic team participated in the FIFA-recognised tournament in the Maldives during the same FIFA window in which the senior national side travelled to San Marino.
