The trophy of the Women’s Football League has been unveiled just four days before the end of the competition. The Bangladesh Football Federation organised the unveiling ceremony with the participating teams ahead of the final phase of the league.
The Women’s Football League is now at its closing stage, with all teams having two matches left. After tomorrow’s round of games, the league is set to conclude on February 13.
Unlike the usual practice of unveiling a trophy at the start of a tournament, BFF chose to hold the ceremony at the very end of the league. Adding a new touch, the event was held at a park in Gulshan, instead of the BFF Bhaban press conference room or the federation’s ground.
Senior national team footballer Sheuli Azim attended the ceremony in her club jersey. Reacting to the timing of the trophy unveiling, she said, “No, it does not really matter that much to us. This was a decision of the BFF authorities, and they did it according to their convenience.”
On the field, Rajshahi Stars Academy currently sit at the top of the points table. If they lose to Army on February 13, both teams could finish level on points, which would then lead to a playoff to decide the title, as per the bylaws. However, Rajshahi will clinch the championship if they manage at least a draw against Army and also win tomorrow’s match.
BFF vice-president Fahad Karim, who is also the chairman of the Marketing and Digital Committee, has played an active role in the Women’s Football League and was instrumental in organising the trophy unveiling.
Speaking about the league, he said, “There were many challenges. Some things were beyond our control, such as the floodlight issue. I would not say I am 100 percent satisfied. But I am happy that we are able to finish the league. Our main objective was to give the girls game time and ensure that the top players stay in match practice ahead of ‘Mission Australia’.”
The Women’s Football League was earlier suspended on January 27 due to the SAFF Under-19 Women’s Football Tournament. The Under-19 team returned from Nepal on Sunday, and after a 12-day break, the league is set to resume from Tuesday.
While the men’s football league is starting later due to the elections, the Women’s Football League remains on schedule, with matches currently set to continue until February 13, the day after the elections.
