BFF to end contracts of 18 SAFF-winning women footballers amidst ongoing dispute

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is planning to cut ties with the 18 female footballers who won the SAFF Championship, after they remained firm in their demand for the resignation of head coach Peter Butler. 

The dispute has led the federation to shift its focus to the upcoming tour of the United Arab Emirates and to concentrate on younger players for central contracts.

After returning from the UK, BFF President met with the 18 players on Thursday night. He attempted to convince them to join training starting on Saturday. 

However, despite the effort, the players have stuck to their demand for the removal of coach Butler and have refused to join the camp by Sunday.

As hopes for a resolution diminish, the BFF has now turned its attention to the 37 players who are currently training under Butler and is preparing new contracts for some of them. 

The 18 players who are boycotting the training will not be included.

Earlier, 30 women footballers had central contracts with the BFF in four salary categories. 

However, these contracts ended in October last year. Presently, only 12 of those 30 players are in the BFF training camp, while the remaining 25 players, mostly from the age-based teams, are not under contract.

The chairperson of BFF‍‍`s Women‍‍`s Wing, Mahfuza Akter Kiran, did not provide any comments on the situation.

Meanwhile, BFF Vice-President Fahad Karim mentioned, 

“The contracts will be finalized by Tuesday. I can’t say exactly how many players will be offered contracts, but it will be among those currently in training.” He also added, “The president had asked them to join training on Thursday and waited until Saturday. Since they didn’t, he said we should move forward without them. Football cannot stop. If they decide to join at any time, they are welcome.”

Bangladesh is set to travel to the UAE on February 24 for two international friendly matches on February 26 and March 2. 

The 23-player squad for these matches will likely be selected from the current 37 players, as Fahad Karim pointed out, 

"Time is running out for team selection, and fitness is a factor."