Blatter Congratulates Salahuddin

FIFA president Sep Blatter congratulated newly-elected Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) chief Kazi Salahuddin.

In a faxed letter to Salahuddin, the country's football legend, Blatter stated that the election represents a historical milestone in Bangladesh football and also appreciated that a former footballer has come forward to take the helm.

Blatter promised his personal support to BFF president Salahuddin saying, "In this task (as president), you can rely on my support and on FIFA assistance to develop football in Bangladesh after years of difficulties for the BFF."

Blatter also conveyed his good wishes to Salahuddin's colleagues after their successful election of April 28.

Amin Ahmed to Run for BFF Presidency

The election of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) received a sensational twist yesterday when Maj Gen (retd) Amin Ahmed Chowdhury announced his candidature for the president's post.

The announcement put end to talks of a unified panel for the April 28 polls as Kazi Salahuddin, who needs no introduction to football lovers of the country, has already declared that he would contest for the hot seat of the federation.

On the other hand, it still remains an enigma whether the incumbent president SA Sultan will compete in the election or not.

Yesterday's showdown of the ex-army official however indicates a tough battle for Salahuddin, arguably the best footballer the country has ever produced who quit as vice-president after a dispute with Sultan.

Amin Ahmed expressed his desire to contest the polls at a press conference at the National Sports Council (NSC) conference room.

Abahani director Nabil Ahmed Chowdhury, Mohammedan general secretary Lokman Hossain Bhuiyan, president of Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra Nurul Alam Chowdhury, Victoria president Shawkat Ali Khan Jahangir, former BFF general secretary Harunur Rashid, Badal Roy, Zakaria Pintoo, Salam Murshedi, Sheikh Mohammad Aslam, Rumman Bin Wali Sabbir were also present.

One might be surprised at Amin Ahmed's sudden appearance into the footballing scene and when questioned, he said, "I have been thinking of contesting the polls since October-November so it is not a sudden decision. I was in charge of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1985 and 1993 SAF Games held in Dhaka. Other than that, I have been watching football since my childhood. I have come forward to work and bring back the glory days of football."

Confirming that he did meet Salahuddin regarding the formation of the unified force, Amin Ahmed explained, "Salahuddin is Bangladesh's pride. I took the proposal of the unified panel to him but he told me that he had thought of running for the president's post long ago."

The panel is still not settled but the presence of prominent figures of the football arena merely confirmed them as part of Amin Ahmed's panel.

Meanwhile, in a late night change of clubs, Amin Ahmed went from being a councillor of Muktijoddha Sangsad to Badda Jagarani. "I have been with Badda since the days of KZ Islam. A lot of other clubs also wanted me to be their councillor and as the government circular was not issued in time, I could not be with Muktijoddha," informed Amin Ahmed.

He viewed the discontinuation of the league and irregular tournaments as the failures of the country's football. In order to fix all these problems, BFF must become a strong organisation, he stated.

"I am urging all organisers to come forward and work together," proclaimed Amin.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

DFAs Cannot be BFF Members

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed that the DFAs (district football associations) cannot be members of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).

Referring to a meeting between AFC president Mohammad Bin Hammam and a Bangladesh delegation on February 19, the AFC sent a letter to the BFF this week revealing the fact.

"From that meeting we have discovered that there is a he misunderstanding between what FIFA and AFC have communicated to BFF and what the BFF has in fact understood," the AFC letter said.

Clarifying the directive, AFC says: "The six Divisional Football Associations that are being formed to be in compliance with the FIFA Standard Statutes can be members of the BFF provided they organise football tournaments.

"As for the 64 DFAs, they will be members of the Divisional Football Associations in their respective divisions. They, however, will not be members of the BFF as they are already represented by their divisions.

"Other clubs who fulfil the criteria of BFF can be members of the federation," the letter adds.

The AFC also wished to invite the same delegation back to Kuala Lumpur to clarify the matter once and for all.