Footballers protest at BFF headquarters with seven-point demand

In a scene reminiscent of past events, footballers have once again gathered in front of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) building to voice their demands.

Around 40-45 players from the Premier League, under the banner of “Professional Football Players,” staged a human chain in front of the BFF headquarters today, presenting a seven-point demand. 

Later, Rezaul Karim read out the demands to the press at the BFF’s conference room. The demands include:

1. Immediate postponement of the footballers’ transfer window.

2. Assurance that all teams will participate in the league.

3. Commitment to conducting a full and proper league, without shortcuts.

4. Clarity on who will be responsible for players from teams that choose not to participate.

5. The league should be held this year without the involvement of foreign players.

6. Efforts to bring back former sponsors who previously supported the clubs.

7. An urgent meeting between the players and the advisor to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, to be arranged by tomorrow.

The players have announced another gathering in front of the BFF building tomorrow at 2 PM, with the presence of former footballers expected.

The transfer window for Premier League players was originally set to close on August 19. However, following a request to FIFA, the deadline has been extended by three days, giving clubs until August 22 to complete transfers. Despite this extension, it is rumored that four out of the 12 Premier League clubs will not participate in the upcoming season.

Among the clubs pulling out are former champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi and Sheikh Russel KC. Sheikh Russel, named after Bangabandhu’s youngest son, officially confirmed their non-participation today. Chattogram Abahani and newly promoted Wanderers are also reportedly considering withdrawing. A player from Wanderers, who visited the BFF today, mentioned that the club informed them last night via text message that they would not be playing.

Veteran goalkeeper Ashraful Islam expressed his disappointment, saying, “We want all clubs to participate. Football is our profession. Given the current situation in the country, we are even willing to play for reduced wages. We urge former sponsors to return and new sponsors to come forward to support the footballers.”

Defender Raihan Hasan added, “Three or four clubs are unwilling to field teams. Sheikh Russel and Sheikh Jamal have already informed their players that they won’t participate. If they back out at the last moment, where will the players go? What will happen to these 100-120 players? Who will take responsibility?”

Meanwhile, BFF General Secretary Imran Hossain assured that they would take every possible step to address the players’ demands. He mentioned that they had requested FIFA to extend the transfer window considering the players’ concerns. “FIFA allows a total of 16 weeks for two transfer windows. We had already used 11 weeks and three days in the first window. Accordingly, the transfer window was supposed to close on August 19. However, given the current situation, we requested FIFA to extend the deadline. Initially, FIFA rejected the request, but we later asked them to at least allow us the full 12 weeks permitted for the first window. They agreed and extended the deadline by three days, making it a total of 12 weeks.”

The BFF wants all clubs to participate in the league. To achieve this, the Professional League Committee will soon hold discussions, including talks with sponsors. The General Secretary also mentioned that efforts are underway to arrange a meeting between the players’ representatives and the Youth and Sports Advisor by tomorrow.