The decision by Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra, Sheikh Jamal, and Chittagong Abahani to withdraw from the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) season has left dozens of footballers in limbo.
The three clubs' unexpected moves, likely influenced by the current political climate, have left around 70-80 players without teams. In response, the BFF Professional League Management Committee increased the maximum number of players each club can register to 40.
Despite this measure, finding new clubs has proven challenging for many players. Several clubs have already filled their rosters, leaving many in the lurch. Sheikh Russell, Sheikh Jamal, and Chittagong Abahani players are actively seeking new teams.
Fortis Football Club has stepped in to help, signing five players who were previously uncertain about their future. These include Atiqur Rahman Fahad and Abdullah from Sheikh Jamal, Manjurur Rahman Manik from Chittagong Abahani, Riyad Uddin Sagar from Chittagong Abahani, and Biplu Ahmed from Bashundhara Kings.
"We initially signed 28 players, but given the current situation, we felt compelled to help these players," said Fortis FC manager Rashedul Islam. "We believe that acquiring them will strengthen our team."
While there were calls from some players to reduce the number of foreign players in the league, the BFF Professional League Management Committee decided to maintain the current quota. This decision was made to ensure that Bangladeshi clubs remain competitive in international tournaments.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) cancelled Super Cup and Independence Cup, the two warm tournaments ahead to begin the Bangladesh Premier League.
In a significant blow to domestic football, the BFF has announced the cancellation of the Super Cup and Independence Cup tournaments due to the ongoing political instability in the country.
The decision was made during an emergency meeting of the BFF Professional League Management Committee, chaired by Imrul Hasan, Vice President of the federation.
While the BFF had initially planned to host five domestic competitions this season, the cancellation of the Super Cup and Independence Cup leaves just three – the Challenge Cup, Bangladesh Premier League, and Federation Cup – to be contested.
The committee also agreed to extend the player registration deadline until August 22, 2024, in line with FIFA guidelines. Clubs participating in the BPL will be allowed to register a maximum of 40 players for the upcoming season, an increase from the usual limit of 36. However, the number of foreign players will remain unchanged.
The start of the 2024-25 season has been delayed due to the current situation, with a new kick-off date to be announced in due course.
