Butler draws a line: Either the Players go or I do

The ongoing crisis in the Bangladesh women’s football team deepened further today as British coach Peter Butler took a hard stand against the 18 female footballers who have refused to train under him. 

The players, who include 16 members of the SAFF Championship-winning squad, have brought various complaints against Butler, but in response, the coach made it clear: either they leave, or he does.

During a press briefing at the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) House earlier today, Butler told journalists,

“I won’t coach this team if certain players remain in the camp.” 

His statement comes after days of tension within the women’s team, with the players protesting against Butler’s coaching style and demands for his removal.

Referring to his meeting with the BFF‍‍`s special committee last night, Butler said, 

“The committee asked me for an explanation, and I provided it. I’ve made it very clear that I will not coach those players who stay at the BFF House, eat BFF’s food, and then spread false rumors against the Federation.”

The 18 players have accused Butler of various issues, but the coach expressed confidence that their complaints won’t affect the final decision. He added, 

“I believe the committee will make the right decision. My stance is straightforward: either they stay, or I stay—there is no room for compromise.”

Butler also accused the protesting players of trying to gain sympathy without valid reasons. 

“The rebellious players are playing the sympathy card, which has no basis,” he commented.

There have been rumors that Butler wants specific players removed from the team. Addressing this speculation, Butler confirmed, 

“I’ve given the names of a few players, and if they stay, I won’t coach. These players are making false accusations and refusing to attend training. This nonsense has to stop.”

The tension surrounding the women‍‍`s football camp has been growing in recent days. 

Sabina Khatun and her teammates have announced that they will not return to training unless Butler is dismissed, and they’ve even threatened mass retirement if their demands aren’t met.

In response, the BFF formed a seven-member committee to resolve the situation. 

The committee spent Sunday and Monday listening to the concerns of the protesting players, and on Tuesday night, they heard Butler’s side.

After his meeting with the committee, Butler returned to his hotel for a quiet evening, sticking to his usual routine. 

The former West Ham player is known for waking up early every day, and today was no exception.

Despite the challenges, Butler is maintaining a positive outlook.

“It’s tough, but I’m staying positive. I’m not thinking about anything negative. The players are enthusiastic, they want to learn, and they want to move forward,” Butler said, reflecting on the current situation.

Meanwhile, the Federation office was buzzing with activity as Butler carried on with training. 

The protest by the SAFF-winning players has already been going on for a week, but the team needs to prepare for their upcoming matches. 

The Bangladesh women’s football team is scheduled to travel to the UAE on February 24th, with a FIFA friendly match against the UAE set for February 26th. 

The BFF is working hard to ensure the tour goes ahead as planned. 

To keep the preparations on track, Butler has recruited additional players to join the 12 who have not participated in the boycott.

The situation remains tense, and with the upcoming matches looming, all eyes are on the Federation to see how they will resolve this conflict.

Whether Butler stays or the players go, it’s clear that a decision needs to be made soon.