Licensing issues deny historic club a return to Asian stage
Mohammedan Sporting Club (MSC) have finally returned to the top of Bangladesh football, winning the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) title for the first time in 22 years. The Dhaka-based giants lifted the trophy at the Shaheed Captain M Mansur Ali Stadium, sparking celebrations from players, fans, and former legends of the club.
Since winning the now-defunct Dhaka Premier League back in 2002, MSC had struggled to stay among the top teams in the country. But this season, they turned things around in stunning fashion and reclaimed their status as champions.
However, their dream return hit a small bump. Despite winning the BPL title, MSC will not be able to participate in the newly introduced AFC Challenge League — Asia’s third-tier club competition. Normally, the league champions would qualify for this tournament, but only if they meet the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) club licensing requirements.
Unfortunately, MSC failed to get the licence. This means the AFC spot is likely to go to either runners-up Abahani Limited or third-placed Bashundhara Kings, both of whom had applied for the licence and are expected to fulfil the AFC’s criteria. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is set to confirm the final list of qualified clubs in the coming days.
Speaking about missing out on the AFC opportunity, MSC football committee chairman Ghulam Mohammad Alamgir said, “In the past 15 years, we were not at the top for many reasons. Now, we are back. We will try for the AFC licence, and if we can’t do it this time, we will accept it and move forward.”
He also credited the title win to team effort, especially the strong support from club president General (retd) Mohammad Abdul Mubeen. “Everyone worked hard for this, and the result is in front of us,” he added.
Still, there are concerns about the club’s future. A former MSC player, who preferred not to be named, said the club may struggle to keep its title-winning players because the current board is slow to begin preparations for next season, especially with elections coming up. Midfielder Alamgir Kabir Rana also expressed disappointment, saying, “This kind of opportunity doesn’t come every season. We should have grabbed it to show our strength beyond Bangladesh.”
Despite all that, the mood in the stadium was joyful. Former footballers, cricketers, organisers, fans, and journalists gathered in numbers. Captain Souleymane Diabate entered the field with the trophy, proudly wearing a golden T-shirt that marked the year of their long-awaited success.
