In a landmark move set to reshape domestic football, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has announced that players from South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries will be considered local players in the upcoming 2025–26 season.
The decision, taken by the BFF’s Professional League Management Committee (PLMC) and approved at an emergency executive committee meeting on Thursday, aims to foster greater regional integration in football. “If any clubs want to field players from SAARC countries, they will be treated as local players, and we will decide about the quota after discussing the matter with the clubs,” said Imrul Hasan, PLMC chairman and BFF senior vice president, during a press briefing at the BFF House.
This policy could significantly alter the dynamics of team compositions in the Bangladesh Premier League, opening the door for increased participation from players in neighbouring countries such as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
Hasan indicated that similar steps may be adopted by other countries in the region. “Other nations of South Asia, including India, are probably also going to implement this idea as per the suggestions of the South Asian Football Federation,” he said.
When asked whether this move could reduce opportunities for domestic players, Hasan offered an optimistic outlook. “We want to see it in another and a more positive way: that Bangladeshi footballers will also have the opportunity to play in leagues beyond Bangladesh.”
The PLMC also introduced new regulations to maintain neutrality, barring BFF executive committee members, as well as those from its standing and ad hoc committees, from being present in club dugouts during matches.
In terms of competition structure, five tournaments have been confirmed for the season: the Challenge Cup, Federation Cup, Independence Cup, Super Cup, and the Bangladesh Premier League. The 2025–26 season is set to kick off on 12 September with a one-off Challenge Cup match.
The player registration window will run from 1 June to 14 August.
In a shift from last season’s rules, clubs will now be allowed to register five foreign players, but only three will be permitted on the pitch at any one time. In-game substitutions of foreign players will be allowed, providing coaches with more flexibility.
The new rules mark a significant evolution in Bangladeshi football, as the federation seeks to strike a balance between enhancing competition and promoting local talent.