Defending Bangladesh Football League champions Bashundhara Kings insist they remain on course for another title challenge despite racing against time to resolve FIFA sanctions and complete the club licensing process before the new domestic season.
The country’s most successful club in recent years faces mounting pressure after FIFA imposed another registration ban on Wednesday, taking the total number of transfer bans against the club to 12. Unless those sanctions are lifted, Kings cannot register new players ahead of the new campaign.
Time is also running short. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has extended the deadline for club licensing until August 7, while player registration must be completed by August 13 before the Bangladesh Football League and Federation Cup begin later this month.
Despite the uncertainty, Bashundhara Kings remain confident the administrative issues will not affect their preparations.
Speaking to Daily TIMES of Bangladesh, the club’s Head of Strategy and Planning, Bayejid Nipu said Kings have already laid the groundwork for their squad and are simply waiting for the FIFA bans to be removed before finalising deals.
“Our foreign players are more or less ready. Once the ban is withdrawn, we will immediately begin forming the team. We have already spoken with our targets, and from Saturday we will continue discussions with everyone. Inshallah, we will complete the squad within a few days,” Nipu said.
Asked whether the club could complete the licensing process before the deadline, Nipu admitted the timetable was tight but expressed confidence that the necessary extensions and ongoing discussions would allow the club to meet every requirement.
“We may not complete everything immediately, but we will finish the process within the required period. Deadlines are there, but BFF has assured us they understand the practical situation. We are confident everything will be completed.”
Nipu also dismissed concerns over the licensing process itself.
“We have always completed our club licensing ahead of schedule. Licensing has never been an issue for Bashundhara Kings, and we expect it will not become one this time either.”
Kings have also seen several players leave during the transfer window, leading to suggestions that the squad could be weaker than the one that won last season’s title.
The club official rejected that view.
“Only one player who was part of our plans has left. The others who moved were players we allowed to leave.”
Most importantly, Nipu insisted the club’s ambitions remain unchanged despite the uncertainty surrounding registrations and licensing.
“Our planning is complete. We will compete to become champions again, Inshallah.”
Bashundhara Kings are not the only major club facing administrative hurdles. Bangladesh Football League runners-up Abahani Limited are also working to remove their remaining FIFA registration ban after already resolving two of the three sanctions imposed on the club. Reports indicate negotiations over the final case are progressing.
Elsewhere, Fakirerpool Young Men’s Club also remains under FIFA sanctions, although club officials are attempting to settle outstanding disputes before the new season.
The uncertainty has forced BFF to prepare contingency plans. If any club ultimately fails to satisfy FIFA or licensing requirements, the federation has identified alternative participants, including Wanderers Club, to ensure the Bangladesh Football League maintains the minimum number of competing teams required under FIFA regulations.
