Bangladesh’s hopes of reaching the main round of the AFC U-20 qualifiers have suffered a major setback after back-to-back defeats. Following losses to hosts Uzbekistan and Syria, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has sacked English coach Gerard Jones.
Jones was reportedly dismissed via email late Thursday night (September 4). BFF General Secretary Imran Hossain Tushar confirmed the decision on Friday.
Assistant coach Atikur Rahman Mishu will take charge of Bangladesh for their final group-stage match against India, replacing Jones on the touchline.
The BFF had reportedly been unhappy with Jones’s conduct for some time. His unnecessary negative remarks on social media had also put the federation in a difficult position.
There had also been an apparent rift between Jones and assistant coach Mishu. The BFF had initially planned to part ways with Jones after the group stage, but following Bangladesh’s dismal performance in Uzbekistan, the federation decided not to wait.
As a result, Jones’s departure was confirmed in Tashkent. He was reportedly even asked to leave the team hotel.
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