Bashundhara Kings face growing uncertainty over their participation in the Bangladesh Football League after failing to resolve any of their 11 active FIFA cases less than three weeks before the new season.
Kings and Abahani both remain under FIFA transfer bans ahead of the league’s August 25 start. They must also complete the Bangladesh Football Federation’s club licensing process by August 4, but outstanding FIFA cases continue to delay the required clearance documents.
Abahani have made quicker progress. The club has already settled one of its three FIFA cases, expects to resolve a second within days and hopes to clear the final case within a week.
“Lifting the bans are our first priority, then we will think of forming our squad,” Abahani official Rupu told The Daily Star.
He added that the club diverted funds towards clearing debts owed to former foreign players instead of strengthening the squad.
Kings face a far more difficult situation. All 11 FIFA cases remain unresolved, although a club official said the management had reached agreements with every complainant to repay outstanding dues in instalments rather than through a single payment.
The uncertainty has already disrupted Kings’ recruitment plans. Saad Uddin, Sohel Rana Jr, Faisal Ahmed Fahim, Shahriar Emon and Rimon Hossain all joined Mohammedan Sporting Club before Kings approached them.
Mohammedan have retained 18 players from last season and added the five former Kings footballers as they continue preparations for the new campaign.
Elsewhere, Fortis FC and Bangladesh Police FC have already started pre-season training ahead of their AFC Challenge League commitments. Brothers Union, Rahmatganj MFS, PWD Sports Club, City Club and Chittagong City FC have also moved closer to completing their squads.
With the Federation Cup due to begin on August 28, only three days after the Bangladesh Football League kicks off, time continues to run short for Kings and Abahani to lift their FIFA bans and secure their places in the top flight.
