Bangladesh have been invited to participate in the FIFA ASEAN Cup. Although reports of the invitation emerged a few days ago, Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) president Tabith Awal has yet to confirm it officially. Speaking after an emergency meeting in Kamalapur on Monday, he said, “When FIFA officially recognises Bangladesh as a participant in the upcoming ASEAN, then I will be able to speak about it. For now, I cannot say anything.”
The BFF president also held an emergency meeting with the participating clubs on Monday to discuss the dates and venues for the Bangladesh Football League (BFL). After the meeting, Awal expressed hope that the league would start as scheduled, although he indicated that some changes could still be made.
“Our dates remain unchanged for now. We may make some changes based on the discussions, but we will have to wait until tonight for that,” he said. The Federation Cup and Bangladesh Football League are scheduled to begin towards the end of August, but there is now some uncertainty over the dates.
Most of the BFL clubs have yet to begin the player registration process, adding to concerns surrounding the league. Awal also dismissed claims that Bangladesh national team head coach Thomas Dooley does not want to participate in the ASEAN Cup. “I have not received any such information yet. If I receive it officially, I will share it with you,” he said.
