Should I Get a Forum?

I've been thinking about it lately. I know I had one before and it wasn't popular but that was when this site hardly had any visitors. Plus, it was a a crap free forum so it may have put people off. Now, if I do install a forum, I plan to use SMF, so the quality will be much better.

The reason I have been thinking about it is that a lot of people ask similar questions but they write them in any post, such as the 888.com advert. That is just a advert, yet it has over 30 comments. Also, a lot of the questions get lost within the vast number of comments so can be hard to address them. Oh, and most people appear anonymous too...

So what do you think? Vote in the poll in the right sidebar and leave any additional comments below.

Looking forward to getting some feedback.

BFF Names Challenge Cup and SAFF Squad

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) yesterday announced a 28-member preliminary national football squad for the two upcoming international football tournaments.

Bangladesh will take part in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifying round matches to be held from May 5 in Kyrgyzstan and the SAFF Championship from June 3, to be held jointly in Sri Lanka and Maldives.

The selected footballers have been asked to report to coach Abu Yousuf at the BFF Bhaban on March 27.

Preliminary squad for AFC Challenge Cup and SAFF Championship:

Aminul Haque, Biplob Bhatachariya, Ziaur Rahman, Hasan Al Mamun, Wali Faisal, Ariful Islam, Rajani Kanta Barman, Arup Kumar Boydha, Atiqur Rahman Mishu, Mahmudul Hasan, Kazi Mozammel Hossain Saikat, Zahirul Islam, Arman Aziz, Enamul Haq Sharif, Maruf Ahmed, Zumratul Hossain Mithu, Faisal Mahmud, Zahid Hasan, Zahid Pervez Chowdhury, Mohammad Kabir Hossain, Mobarak Hossain Bhuiyan, Kollal Kumar Ghose Zuku, Mamunul Islam Mamun, Mehdi Hasan Uzzal, Abul Hossain, Mohammad Robin, Zahid Hasan Emily, Abdul Baten Mujumder Komol.

Domestic Football from July

The football season of 2008 will kick of on July 1 with the Federation Cup, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) and the professional league clubs announced yesterday.

With the footballers calling strike in the wake of the cancellation of this month's transfer for the B. League and taking a decision of not playing for even the national team, the BFF involved the clubs to make a joint statement at the BFF Bhaban to convince the players about the authenticity of the declaration.

The representatives of the eight clubs were present while BFF president SA Sultan announced that the transfer will be held from May 15-30 and the B. League will begin on July 20.

Although the transfer is scheduled for May, domestic football will start in July as the national team will be busy in May and June for the AFC Challenge Cup in Kyrgyzstan and the SAFF Championship in Maldives and Sri Lanka.

When asked about the players' decision not to participate in any activities under the BFF till the transfer, Sultan hoped that the booters would understand the situation and move from the decision to not attend the national camp.

Abahani director Kazi Nabil, who was present, said they have already talked with the players who have agreed to join the national camp.

But they still will not play in domestic football until the transfer.

It would kill BFF's remaining hopes to stage the Swadhinata Cup this month.

BFF, Clubs to Make Joint Announcement

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is expected to make a joint declaration today with the professional clubs about the transfers for the new season.

After a short meeting of the executive committee yesterday, the BFF high-ups announced that they will sit with the clubs before giving a fresh transfer date.

BFF president SA Sultan said they have received a positive response from the footballers to call off the strike, especially for the national camp.

"We are going to announce a concrete date for the transfer and hope that everyone would be satisfied with the decision," the BFF chief said.

BFF acting general secretary Manzoor Hossain Malu has been given the responsibility to talk with the players before today's announcement.

However, it is unlikely that the clubs would move from their decision to go into the transfer after next month's BFF election.

The BFF is also likely to name the preliminary national squad within a couple of days.

Footballers Call Strike

Bangladesh's preparation for two international football tournaments - the AFC Challenge Cup and the SAFF Championship - ran into jeopardy as the desperate footballers called a strike yesterday against the football's governing body.

In the wake of the cancellation of the new season's transfer, the footballers decided not to play for the national team or in any tournament under the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).

The national team were due to start training for next month's Challenge Cup in Kyrgyzstan within a week but former national captain Arif Khan Joy conveyed the decision of about 40 booters present at the Dhaka University ground saying they would boycott the BFF.

"We have decided not to play under the federation until the players get contracts for the new season," Joy told reporters.

"We will also not play for the national team," he added.

The transfer for the B. League started on March 15 but after the professional league clubs of Dhaka declined to take part, the BFF had to cancel it and announced that the transfer would be held after the April 28 election.

"Even if the BFF hastily announces another date for transfer soon, we will not move from our position. We want to see some real action from the federation and clubs," said Jewel Rana, another ex-national captain.

The BFF president, however, believed that the booters would change their stance for the sake of the national team.

"We will sit with the players. I hope they will consider the national pride," Sultan commented.

Hammam Coming to Dhaka

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Mohammed Bin Hammam is expected to arrive in Dhaka on March 28 to open two projects of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).

The AFC boss will lay the foundation stones of the synthetic turf to be placed under the FIFA Goal project at the ground adjacent to the BFF Bhaban and a football centre in Barisal under the FIFA Tsunami fund on March 29.

Both the lands were given to the BFF by National Sports Council (NSC).

Before his departure on the same night, Hammam could meet NSC chairman and Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed.

Youngmen's Club Secure Senior Division Title

Youngmen's Club Fakirerpool sealed their first major title in domestic football when they ensured unassailable lead in the Senior Division Football League table after contenders Victoria and Sunrise SC drew their crucial super league match yesterday.

With two matches in hand, Youngmen's Club's collection is 36 points from 15 outings while Sunrise increased their tally to 28 points also after same number of matches following the goalless draw at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

After 15 games, Victoria stood on 26 points.

In the relegation league, Wari Club defeated Dipali Juba Sangha 2-0 with Selim and Babu scoring after the break.

Call to End Transfer Deadlock

Footballers yesterday appealed to the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) to take initiative to sit with the clubs in a bid to end the recent stalemate.

Irked the clubs' decision not to go into transfer for the second B. League under the incumbent executive committee, the top footballers met BFF acting general secretary Manzoor Hossain Malu last evening to make the request to the football's governing body in the country.

The transfer officially began on Saturday without any clubs even showing interest to participate.

The eight professional clubs of Dhaka, meanwhile, are expected to sit today to discuss the issue before their scheduled meeting with the BFF later on the day.

The BFF has requested the clubs to reconsider their decision and invited them for a talk.

"We know that the clubs are going through economic strains. But we have to run the game for the sake of the players and the game. If we fail to do that, football will suffer," said Malu.

The booters, who gathered at the BFF Bhaban, told every player has been suffering.

"It has been seven months since the B. League ended. The professional league was supposed to give us 11 months of football. But we have spent over half a year without playing any league," told former national footballer Jewel Rana.

"Due to uncertainty, many young players have decided to quit football. This thing can't go for long," said Jewel, who was accompanied by Arif Khan Joy, Alfaz Ahmed, Aminul Haque, Biplab Bhattachariya, Arman Aziz and others.

The BFF, who has ensured a sponsor for the coming B. League, is even ready to give fund to the clubs, it was learned.

Organisers and footballers in a joint statement to the BFF also asked for a meeting among organisers, player, clubs and the BFF to make effort to start the transfers.

They also demanded the BFF to give time to the 13 districts and three divisions the chance to form Football Associations.

Although the EC of BFF decided not to give further time to the districts and divisions who have failed to form the FAs, it was learned that BFF president SA Sultan has been trying to make a way for the left behind associations.

My Views on Bangladesh Football

Bangladesh football is still far away from the high levels registered in Europe and especially in the Premier League. This is also why Bangladesh’s national team has never managed to qualify for a World Cup yet. The team was founded in 1972 and played it’s first game one year later against the Maldives. Games against the Maldives are a nice thing to remember for the Bangladeshi football fans, because it’s the team that lost at the highest level in their national team history. Bangladesh managed to defeat the Maldives 8-0 on the 21st December 1985. This remained in the history as the biggest win so far. As a general idea the team from Dhaka usually struggles not to end the rankings in their qualifying groups. They managed though to obtain a gold medal at the South Asian Football Federation Cup but this is not a high level competition. For example, in the Asian Cup their best performance is Round 1 in 1980.

As a general idea, Bangladesh football needs to pick up the pace and to improve their level. They could try to send players to Europe or at least to leagues where young Bangladeshi football players could grow and improve their skills. I wonder when I will be able to watch the first Bangladeshi footballer playing in the English Premier League or any other important domestic league in Europe. Who knows what young talents Arsene Wenger could discover with his extraordinary gift to detect young talents. Speaking of the Premier League and English football, I will go off topic a little and remind you that today, although it’s Monday, we have activity in the EPL. Birmingham and Newcastle will clash tonight. Live football can be watched online with the help of live streaming, no matter if it’s the Premier League live or any other soccer league.

At the end let me wish Abu Yusuf good luck for his new job with the Bangladesh national team. All the best for Asian football.

Guest posted by fcfootballblog.com

Fakirerpool Slam Two Past Jatrabari

Youngmen's Club Fakirerpool beat Jatrabari Krira Chakra 2-0 in a Super Six match of the Senior Division football match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

Touhidul and Sakhawat scored one goal each for the winners.

In the day's other match, Agrani Bank defeated City Club 2-1 at the Shaheed Sepoy Mohammad Mostafa Stadium in Kamalapur.

Kazi Tutul struck twice for the winners while Mehdi Hasan netted one for City.

2nd B. League Transfers Begin Today

Despite the eight Dhaka clubs' denial to take part in the B. League players' transfers, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) decided to move ahead with their plan.

According to B. League tournament committee chairman Abdur Rahim, the transfer will start today for the second edition of the professional football league.

"The transfers will be on from today as schedule. The clubs can take part if they wish," Rahim, also a BFF vice-president, told yesterday.

The clubs have said they would not take part in the bourse under the present BFF executive body.

However, general secretary of Dhaka giants and B. League runners-up Mohammedan Sporting Club informed that the clubs will sit today to reconsider their decision to respect the BFF request.

The BFF has requested the clubs to participate in the transfer for the greater interest of the game and footballers.

BFF Ask Clubs to Reconsider

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) yesterday requested the Dhaka professional league clubs to reconsider their decision to not take part in this month's B. League transfers and the proposed Swadhinata Cup tournament.

In a letter to the eight clubs - Abahani, Mohammedan, Muktijoddha, Sheikh Russel, Brothers Union, Arambagh, Farashganj and Rahamatganj - that declined to take part in the players' bourse until a new BFF executive committee is elected, the BFF said that the clubs should rethink about the decision for the greater interest of the game and the players.

It were the eight clubs who had agreed to go into the transfer from March 15 and start the league from early April in a previous meeting with the league committee, which had proposed to begin the transfer in February.

"To honour the BFF's request, we will sit to discuss this," said Mohammedan Sporting Club's general secretary Lokman Hossain Bhuiyan yesterday.

"But there is little hope of the clubs' reversing this decision," he added.

Clubs Decline Transfer

An April start for the second B. League looks uncertain after the clubs opposed the idea of going into the transfers from next Saturday.

Although the eight professional league clubs of Dhaka had agreed to go into the transfer from March 15 and start the league from early April in a previous meeting with the league committee, they conveyed their wish not to take part in the transfer before the election of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).

In a joint statement submitted to BFF president SA Sultan yesterday, the clubs termed the hurriedly drawn BFF calendar for 2008 as 'confusing'.

The statement was signed by top brass of Abahani, Mohammedan, Muktijoddha, Sheikh Russel, Brothers Union, Arambagh, Farashganj and Rahamatganj.

They also showed their reluctance to participate in the Swadhinata Cup billed to start from March 20.

Out of the eight big names, three teams were scheduled to play in the Swadhinata Cup but the tournament's draw was postponed last night following the absence of the team representatives.

The one valid reason the statement showed is 'it is difficult to take part in the transfer and play in a tournament simultaneously'.

"We are interested to take part in the Swadhinata Cup but due to transfers, it would be difficult to get players. The BFF had not taken any steps to organise this tournament in the last few years. Also, we expected a gorgeous tournament to mark the Independence of the country. Its better that this tournament be held after the transfer," the statement read.

The clubs also felt that the 'controversial' calendar should be revised by the future executive committee.

It added that the calendar by a new committee would be more acceptable and there would be assurance of implementing it.

"This is the reason we are appealing to schedule the transfer after the election."

BFF acting general secretary Manzoor Hossain Malu, who was aware of a letter to the president but did not read its contents, said as an invitational tournament, any team could include guest players for the Swadhinata Cup.

"The transfer should not be a problem," he added.

Apart from the problems uttered in the statement, it seems that the clubs' unwillingness was sparked by top players' national duty for the AFC Challenge Cup and the SAFF Championship in May and June, when they would not get the footballers at their disposal.

"It would be difficult to play in that time. So its realistic that the leagues start after that," said a club official.

The decision, however, is likely to irk the footballers whose interests have not been protected by federation and club now and again.

The federation, in fact, had announced the calendar out of the blue only after the players had threatened to go into demonstration in demand of starting the football season.

When the BFF election will take place on April 28, it would be nine months of 'football-less-ness' for players, the time one needs to give birth to a child.

When a new committee takes a decision, it could well take one full year to roll football to the ground. Can the footballers afford that?

Victoria Suffer Blow

Victoria Sporting Club's title hopes were heavily dashed when they suffered a 3-0 defeat to fellow contenders Jatrabari KC in a super six match of the Senior Division Football League yesterday.

Zakir put Jatrabari ahead after 43 minutes while Shariful and Iqbal struck early and late second half goals to seal three points for the newcomers at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

In the relegation battle, a brace by Mehdi gave City Club a 2-1 victory against Arambagh at the Kamalapur Stadium.

BFF Polls on April 28

Football organisers hinted at a united panel for the coming election of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), which will be held on April 28.

BFF president SA Sultan officially announced the polls date yesterday at a press conference at the BFF Bhaban with acting general secretary Manzoor Hossain Malu beside him.

Although it was a BFF event, Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) chief operating officer Col (retd) M Waliullah and 'leader of the opposition' Badal Roy were also present.

Conveying the decision of Monday night's executive committee meeting, Sultan told that his colleagues have decided to hold an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on March 27 and the annual general meeting and the election on April 28, two days before the FIFA-given deadline.

"We feel that the complicacies that delayed the election have been removed. Now we are prepared to hold the election in time," said Sultan adding that the executive committee also approved that all the FIFA Statutes will be in order before the next election four years later.

The amendments, directed by the FIFA and AFC, in the BFF constitution will be placed for the approval of the EGM, which will be held with the old federation members including the district sports association councillors.

The BFF will then have just a few days over the required one-month notice period for the AGM and the polls, where the district football associations (DFAs) and the divisional FAs apart from the cubs will vote.

"Due to time constrains, the executive committee feels that there is no scope to give chance to form the remaining DFAs and the divisional FAs," the BFF chief told referring to the 14 districts and three divisions that have yet to form football associations after repeated attempts.

"After the election, whenever the FAs are formed, the federation will affiliate them to run the game properly in the districts," he added.

Waliullah and ex-national captain Badal Roy, however, requested the reluctant BFF boss to give the remaining districts and divisions an opportunity to form FAs.

"It would be better to involve all the districts and give qualified organisers the chance to be a part of the BFF. We also have to be careful about the legal side of all the procedures," said Waliullah, who was a member of the four-man delegation that visited the AFC president Mohamed Bin Hammam in Kuala Lumpur in February and this month.

Badal who along with his friends outside the BFF has long opposed the federation's stubbornness for not holding an EGM, said they did not need to run to FIFA or AFC.

"The BFF could have had decided on an EGM, which we had been demanding for long. The federation officials simply refused to listen to our pleas. But everyone knows that any amendment in the constitution has to go through a general meeting, which we are having at last after wasting a lot of time," said Badal, who is the 'leader of the opposition' according to Sultan.

"The districts and divisions should be given a chance. We feel there is scope for that remaining inside the law.

"Whatever happens, we want to stand united under one leadership and see a new and worthy executive committee in the future."

Badal's last words confirmed the rumour that a joint panel, possibly headed by a big corporate house owner, could be in the election scenes soon.

"We also want the congress (AGM) to take decision whether we can afford paid secretaries in districts in the coming term. We will try to convince the AFC or FIFA representatives if the councillors think so," Badal added.

There would be no election for five posts - general secretary, deputy general secretary, the assistant general secretaries and treasurer - that have to be appointed according to the FIFA Statutes.

It was also learned that BFF's latest proposal to the AFC includes having 15 members in the executive body.

Salahuddin to Run for BFF Presidency

Bangladesh football legend Kazi Salahuddin promised to bring back the golden days of football in the country if he is elected president of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).

In a written statement, the former vice-president of the game's governing body expressed his desire to contest in the next poll of BFF.

"I hope the election of BFF will be held as per the roadmap of the game's world governing body. I am hopeful that I can fulfil the dream of the country's football loving people as I have the determination and experience to serve the game," said Salahuddin, who quit from the vice-president post after a brawl with incumbent BFF president SA Sultan.

"I firmly believe that I can do something special about which people can feel proud if I get the opportunity to become president of the federation," he added.

For more information on Kazi Salahuddin, click here.

Bangladesh Face Afghanistan in AFC Challenge Cup Opener

Bangladesh will play their AFC Challenge Cup qualifying round opening game against Afghanistan at the Bishkek Central Stadium in Kyrgyzstan on May 5.

Laos and hosts Kyrgyzstan are the other teams pitted in Group C along with Bangladesh.

In the remaining group matches, Bangladesh will play Laos on May 7 and Kyrgyzstan on May 9 at the same venue.

Bangladesh hosted the 16-team inaugural AFC Challenge Cup, a tournament for the emerging Asian nations, in 2006 and made an early exit by losing to champions Tajikistan 1-6 in the quarterfinal at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

Draws Order of the Day

Sunrise Sporting Club came from behind to play out a 1-1 draw with Jatrabari Krira Chakra in the Super Six match of the Metropolis Senior Division Football League at the Birshreshtha Shaheed Sepoy Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur yesterday.

Shariful put Jatrabari ahead in the 11th minute but Sajid converted a penalty in the 31st minute to equalise for Sunrise.

After the day's outcome, Sunrise remained at third position securing 24 points and Jatrabari are in the fifth place with 21 points, both playing 13 matches.

The day's relegation encounter between Wari Club and City Club also ended in a 1-1 draw at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

Jony scored for City Club in the 10th minute while Afsar struck for Wari Club in the 14th minute.

Wari earned 13 points from 13 matches and City Club bagged 10 points from same number of outings.

Badda Stun Victoria

Badda Jagarani upset title contender Victoria Sporting Club 1-0 in their first Super Six encounter of the Metropolis Senior Division Football at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

Alamgir Kabir scored the match-winner in the 74th minute.

After the day's match, Badda improved their position in the table securing 22 points from 13 matches while Victoria remained on 25 from the same number of encounters.

The day's lone relegation league match between Arambagh and Mohakhali ended in a one-all draw at the Bir Shreshtha Shaheed Sepoy Mohammad Mostafa Stadium in Kamalapur.

Mona put Mohakhali ahead in the 5th minute only for Syed to restore parity for Arambagh in the 61st minute.

Sunrise will play Jatrabari in a Super Six match at the Kamalapur venue while Wari Club face City Club in a relegation league match at the Big Bowl today.

DFAs to Vote in BFF

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) yesterday paved way for the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) election by allowing the football governing body in Bangladesh to hold the polls according to the current statutes with minor adjustments.

The AFC's official website, the-afc.com, reported yesterday that AFC president Mohamed bin Hammam gave his nod to conduct the BFF elections in the current status but only after getting relevant guarantees from the BFF, Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) and related government authorities that the required structure would be in place for the next elections.

The decision came after a four-member BFF delegation, led by its president SA Sultan, met the AFC chief at his office in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

The FIFA and AFC had instructed the BFF's expired executive body to hold free and fair elections before April 30, 2008 but the BFF failed to activate its divisional football bodies in compliance with the directives even after ten months.

In fact, only three divisional football associations out of six have been formed so far.

It was learnt that the remaining divisions would be given time to form football associations and will have voting power apart from clubs, who fulfil the criteria, and the district football associations (DFAs) that have been formed so far.

The AFC had clarified a few days back that the DFAs, as part of the divisions, will not have voting powers but the Asian football body has moved from its previous stance.

The BFF will have to send back a list of the clubs to the AFC, which will approve their status as voters before an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) is held.

"We are very thankful to the AFC president for making this decision. It will definitely clear the way for future development of football in Bangladesh," SA Sultan was quoted by the AFC website.

"At present the district sports associations and clubs are the main players in football administration while the divisional associations are inactive. The onus is now on us to make sure that the six divisional football bodies which are being formed in compliance with FIFA's Standard Statutes, are functional and active in the next four years.

"We will now hold an EGM to amend the statutes as per FIFA and AFC directives and call for elections before the April 30 deadline," Sultan added.

Apart from Sultan, BOA chief operating officer Col (retd) M Waliullah, former national football captain Badal Roy and organiser Mohiuddin Bulbul were part of the Bangladesh delegation.

New Mohammedan Wallpaper Added

I have (finally) created and uploaded a new wallpaper. It's a wallpaper for Mohammedan fans. I don't support Mohammedan (I don't support any club actually, just Bangladesh football in general) but as they are one of the biggest clubs in Bangladesh, I thought why not?

However, I will create more wallpapers, hopefully for each and every club. The next one will most likely be an Abahani wallpaper, so if you're an Abahani fan, subscribe to our RSS feed to make sure you don't miss out!

That's it for now, enjoy!

PS. If you would like to submit any wallpapers for BanglaFootball.net, please contact me.

Abahani Start Training

B. League champions Abahani Ltd Dhaka will prepare for more than a month for their return to Asian club football competition after nearly a decade.

Abahani, who last played in the now-defunct Asian Cup Winners Cup in the 90s, will participate in the third edition of the AFC President's Cup to be held in Kathmandu next April.

Abahani, who won the right to play in the third-ranked AFC competition after winning the country's inaugural professional league last year, will start training on March 10.

Manager and former player Satyajit Das Rupu informed that the sky-blues have retained almost their full squad for the coming second B. League in addition of rising stars Robin and Sony from fellow professional league clubs Farashganj and Rahamatganj respectively, who will make the trip to Nepal.

Rupu added that their Ghanaian forward Awdu Ibrahim will be available within a couple of days and he will bring along another foreign recruit.

Abahani have been drawn in a tough group for the April 20-24 meet involving host team Nepal Police, who reached last year's final in Pakistan, Regar-Tadaz of Tajikistan - winners of the inaugural President's Cup - and Pakistan Wapda.

Yusuf Gets 4 Month Contract

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) gave Abu Yusuf a four-month contract as national football coach and the freedom to select his players.

BFF president SA Sultan, while introducing the former national footballer as the new coach till June this year at a press conference yesterday, told that Yusuf will have 100% freedom while choosing the players.

When asked about the duties of the selection committee, BFF acting general secretary Manzoor Hossain Malu, who was also present, said it was actually an 'advisory committee' which helped in selection.

However, there had been a lot of controversies last year when the BFF named its selection committee, a rare example in the football world.

"They will give some logistic support," Sultan explained the role of the selectors.

Yusuf will get Tk 55,000 per month, informed Malu adding that he will get facilities like the foreign coaches.

In fact, it's not true as the new coach would be given accommodation and food when needed - most probably only during the residential camps - and he will not get a round-the-clock vehicle for personal use.

Yusuf, who will be assisted by Golam Rabbani Chhoton, seemed to be happy with all that.

He repeated his wish to pick inform players and considered the SAFF Football Championship in June as his main target.

When asked whether he needed a physical trainer, Yusuf said he would love to have one but it was not 'essential'.

The BFF is expected to start the camp outside Dhaka and Cox's Bazar, the tourist resort where previous national coach Syed Nayeemuddin of India took the boys, looks like the possible choice.

However, the BFF could not determine when the camp would begin.

With the professional league transfers due to begin this month, players would be reluctant to join camp now and it is also suspected that the clubs might not be interested to let go their players immediately after the transfer.

The federation has also appealed to the president to increase the remuneration of the players, who get a scanty Tk 10,000 per month for national duty.

Apart from the SAFF Championship in Sri Lanka and Maldives, Bangladesh will compete in the qualifying rounds of the AFC Challenge Cup in Kyrgyzstan this May.

Pictures from Abu Yusuf Press Conference

Here are some pictures from yesterday's press conference, in which Abu Yusuf was introduced to the media. You can't tell that Bangladesh football has been sponsored by Nokia, can you? Enjoy...

Abu Yusuf, the newly appointed Head Coach of the Bangladesh national team speaking to journalists at the press conference.

Abu Yusuf exchanging the contract with BFF Acting GS Mr Manzoor Hossain.

From the left: BFF acting general secretary Mr Manzoor Hossain, BFF President Mr S A Sultan, Md Abu Yusuf, Head Coach, Golam Rabbani Choton, Assistant Coach of the Bangladesh national team.

Former International to Coach National Team

Abu Yusuf will coach the national football team in the two coming international tournaments, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) confirmed yesterday.

The former national centre-back, who has the experience of guiding age-group national teams at under 17, 19 and 23 levels, will be given a contract today to serve for the AFC Challenge Cup and the SAFF Championship.

Yusuf, who had the charge of the national boys back in 1998 for a friendly tournament in Qatar, succeeds Indian coach Syed Nayeeumiddin who was originally recruited by the BFF for the SAFF tournament.

Nayeemuddin was let go by the BFF in October after the regional event was deferred.

It will be the first time Bangladesh will compete in the South Asian football extravaganza under a local man after playing the first four editions under foreign coaches:

• Otto Pfister (Kathmandu, 1997)
• Samir Shakir (Goa, 1999)
• George Kottan (Dhaka 2003)
• Diego Cruciani (2005, Karachi)

There is strong belief that Yusuf's appointment was recognition for a coach whose match reading is perhaps the best in the country and who has done hard work for many years.

"There are many reasons that everyone relies on foreign coaches. Maybe the authority feels safe with them. I am happy that I have got this chance," said Yusuf, who has coached all the big teams like Mohammedan, Abahani and Muktijoddha with success but every time was shown the door midway through a campaign.

"Yes, it's a sort of challenge but I don't have a magic wand to change everything overnight. Still I believe that it's possible to get success at this level," he hoped.

Yusuf, who fell out with Muktijoddha officials during last year's inaugural professional league, took charge of Senior Division side Victoria this year and once again proved his guile by taking the team to second place at the end of the first leg.

"I feel there is still enough time to prepare for the SAFF Championship, provided I get help of all the quarters," he added.

With less than three months to go for the SAFF Championship in Sri Lanka and Maldives, Yusuf will have to start training pronto.

"A lot will also depend on the conditions of the players because they would be coming after the off-season. It would be better if we pick up a small squad for starter," said the former international who wants to pick his lot.

"I would like to pick my team because if I fail, I will have to shoulder all the responsibilities. However, sometimes other eyes are helpful because a coach might miss someone.

"Its true we have limited facilities but I want to squeeze the maximum practice out of it because the AFC Challenge Cup is a tough tournament for us."

Bangladesh are pitted against hosts Kyrgyzstan, Laos and Afghanistan in the Challenge Cup qualifiers to be held from May 5-10 and face Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bhutan in the group stages of SAFF soccer in Colombo from June 3-14.

When asked whether he would consider recently retired players or those who chose not to play under past coaches, Yusuf said he would go for the best team.

"I mean not those players who were at their peak two years ago. I will pick those who are in form and fitness now."

Roma Coaches to Run Dhaka Workshop

Three coaches of Italian giants AS Roma will run a football workshop in Dhaka, during May of this year.

The programme will be organised by Singapore-based advertising firm DENTSU and YKK Bangladesh under the auspices of YKK of Japan.

The Roma coaches - including former Roma defender Maurizio Turone who won 227 caps for the Serie A side from 1979-87 - will run the three-day workshop among 350 kids (boys and girls) between the age of 10-14 years.

They will also work with 30 local coaches.

The 55-year-old Turone was Lazio's technical director from 1992-97, the technical director of Genoa's Serie A and B sides from 1998-2005 before joining as technical director of AC Roma School of Oceania in 2006.

In this regard, a joint meeting was held at the BFF Bhaban on Monday among YKK managing director Hiroaki Nakamura and vice-president Hiroshi Ikusaka, DENTSU business director Alam Lim and BFF high-ups SA Sultan, Manzoor Hossain Malu and others.

More Pictures from Nokia-Bangladesh Deal

Here are two more pictures of the exciting Nokia deal, that was announced on Monday. Nokia became the Exclusive Sponsor of the Bangladesh National Football Team for the first time in Bangladesh football history. Click on the pictures to enlarge.

BFF acting general secretary Mr Manzoor Hossain exchanging files with Nokia Emerging Asia Ltd managing director Mr Prem Chand.

From the left: BFF communication manager Ahmed Sayed Al Fatah, BFF acting general secretary Mr Manzoor Hossain, BFF vice president Mr Abdur Rahim, BFF President Mr S A Sultan, Nokia Emerging Asia Ltd managing director Mr Prem Chand, Nokia marketing Manager Mr M Nowfel Anower & Mr Sirajul Islam Bachchu.

I guess credit must go to the Bangladesh Football Federation, they have finally done something positive in a long time. Well done, BFF.

Nokia Associates Itself to Bangladesh National Team

World's leading cellular phone makers Nokia yesterday officially announced their association with the Bangladesh national football team.

It agreed to the offers of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) to support the national team for the two coming international tournaments, the AFC Challenge Cup and the SAFF Championship.

Although the two parties claimed that an agreement has been signed, it would need confirmation of the higher authority, which is expected to be finalised within a week. However, the Nokia and BFF officials were reluctant to disclose any financial details.

It has been reported that the Finnish mobile giants will spend about Tk 14 lakh behind the top footballers of the country in the initial stage.

"We are happy to have Nokia with us. But we won't give you the financial details for the sake of football," said BFF president SA Sultan at a press conference at the BFF Bhaban yesterday.

The future relationship between Nokia and the BFF, however, will depend on how good a mileage it gets from its involvement with Bangladesh football. If things go the right way, Nokia will get involved in development programmes into the grassroots, especially at school level.

"The world loves football and the Bangladeshis are no exception. And we at Nokia take pride in having our logo and name being carried by the team while they represent not only the country but the love of game," said Prem Chand, managing director of Nokia Emerging Asia.

He said that the organisation would consider the 'suck and taste' method in this regard, meaning that it will stick to Bangladesh football if benefited from the involvement.

"I have seen young boys play football in the villages and also the craze during the World Cup football. Nokia wants to utilise this passion for football," Prem Chand added.

BFF vice presidents Abdur Rahim and Sirajul Islam Bachchu, acting general secretary Manzoor Hossain Malu and Nokia's marketing manager Nowfel Anower were also present.

The national team will get financial support and use the Nokia logo on their gear although they would not be allowed to show the sponsor's name on their jersey during matches.

Bangladesh will take part in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers from May 5-10 in Kyrgyzstan where they face Laos, Afghanistan and the hosts. Only one team from a group will reach the finals, which is expected to be hosted by India, one of the four automatic qualifiers.

In the 5th SAFF Football Championship, 2003 winners and 2005 runners-ups Bangladesh are pitted against hosts Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bhutan in the group stages to be played in Colombo.

The SAFF Championship will be hosted jointly by Sri Lanka and Maldives from June 3-14.

Baichung Sinks Mohammedan

A brace by Baichung Bhutia helped Mohun Bagan come from a goal down and eliminate Mohammedan Sporting Club of Dhaka from the 113th IFA Shield with a 3-1 win in the final group match yesterday.

The match at Barasat looked set to go into the break scoreless but it suddenly became alive when midfielder Enamul Haque Sharif put the Bangladesh professional league champions ahead after 42 minutes.

The celebration was very short lived as star striker Baichung levelled two minutes later. The Indian international then fired the Kolkata heavyweights ahead in the first minute of the stoppage time.

After two scoreless draws, Mohammedan needed to win in a bid to reach the semifinals but could not find their second goal of the competition.

It was Isfaq Ahmed who sealed Bagan's victory in the 83rd minute. Group A runners-ups Bagan will take on South Africa's Santos FC in one of the semifinals.

Churchill Brothers of Goa, meanwhile, emerged Group A champions after their 2-0 win over Kolkata Mohammedan with Kalu Ogba and Jaison Vales scoring in the second half for the I-League runners-ups at Barasat also yesterday.

Churchill, who play Mahindra United in the semifinals, had beaten Mohun Bagan 1-0 in the tournament opener.

It was a sad day for Kolkata giants East Bengal missed out when they finished bottom of the three-team Group B following a 1-1 draw with Santos at Howrah.

Unbeaten Santos won the group with four points and Mahindra runners-ups with three points that came from their 2-0 victory against East Bengal.

Churchill 2-0 Mohammedan SC Dhaka

Churchill defeated Mohammedan Sporting Club 2 - 0 yesterday, in the group A league match. The goals were scored by Kalu Ogba and Jaison Vales, who came on as a substitute in 2nd half.

Churchill dominated the match throughout and missed many chances to score. Mohammedan goalkeeper Tungshang was outstanding and saved MSC many times.

The first goal came via Ogba on 52 minutes, who scored with an opportunistic move, pushing the ball past the goalkeeper. And, with 5 minutes remaining before the final whistle, Vales scored an easy goal thanks to Mboyo, who had dribbled past 2-3 players before handing it on a plate to Vales.

Mohammedan also had a few chances, Nirapada missed two easy heading oppurtunities and Okero once got a chance inside the box but instead of moving forward, he hurriedly shot wide.

The defeat leaves MSC Dhaka with 1 point from 2 games.

Mohammedan Face Churchill Brothers

Mohammedan Sporting Club will take on Goa's Churchill Brothers in today's IFA Shield match at Howrah.

The match will kick off at 3.30pm (Bangladesh time).

Mohammedan, the Bangladesh B. League runners-ups, drew their opening match 0-0 on Thursday with Kolkata Mohammedan, who face Mohun Bagan in today's other Group A match at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

Churchill, I-League runners-ups, lead the group by virtue of their 1-0 win over Mohun Bagan in the opening match of the 113th edition of the prestigious competition.

Also on Thursday, defending champions Mahindra United lost to South African Premiership side Santos FC 2-0 with Tasleem Paulse scoring in the seventh and 50 minutes.