The much-anticipated Super Cup will not be held this season either, with sponsorship issues once again forcing the prestigious tournament off Bangladesh football’s calendar.
The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) had initially planned to organise five domestic tournaments during the ongoing season: the Challenge Cup, Federation Cup, Bangladesh Football League, Independence Cup and the Super Cup. While the Challenge Cup, Federation Cup and Football League have already been completed and the Independence Cup is scheduled for the latter part of the season, the Super Cup has now been officially cancelled.
The tournament, which was supposed to take place during the mid-season transfer window, failed to materialise after organisers were unable to secure a sponsor. Imrul Hasan, BFF senior vice-president and chairman of the Professional League Committee, explained that a potential sponsor had initially shown interest but withdrew at the last moment, leaving no realistic option to stage the competition this year. As a result, the federation will now look to revive the Super Cup in a future season.
With a prize fund of Tk 1 crore, the competition has long been known among fans as the “Tk 1 crore Super Cup” and has retained a certain prestige despite its prolonged absence. The tournament was last held in 2013 and has taken place only three times overall. Mohammedan Sporting Club won the title in 2009 and 2013, while Abahani Limited lifted the trophy in 2011.
Although the BFF has made several attempts in recent years to bring the Super Cup back, repeated sponsorship setbacks have continued to keep it off the fixture list.
The mid-season transfer window opened on Sunday and will remain open until 31 January. One round of matches from the second phase of the Bangladesh Football League is scheduled to be played before the national elections in February.
