Relief has finally arrived for Dhaka Abahani Limited as world football’s governing body, FIFA, officially lifted its transfer ban on the traditional powerhouse. Yet, while theSky-Blues celebrate their newfound freedom, the broader domestic football landscape in Bangladesh finds itself entangled in profound administrative uncertainty. With the new season fast approaching, clubs are grappling more with bureaucratic hurdles and clearance paperwork than actual pitch preparation.
The troubles for Abahani began at the onset of the previous season due to unpaid dues owed to foreign recruits, prompting FIFA to slap the club with three separate registration bans. Although two of those penalties were previously resolved through settlements, the final restriction remained in place pending outstanding payments to a Syrian footballer. With those financial obligations successfully cleared, FIFA formally rescinded the sanction on Monday, erasing Abahani’s name from the official registration ban list just as the club licensing deadline arrived.
This breakthrough paves the way for Abahani to open player registrations. However, the prolonged battle to lift the ban has severely hampered their squad-building efforts. Distracted by administrative firefighting, club officials have fallen behind in assembling a competitive roster. Compounding matters, several key players have reportedly opened talks with rival clubs such as Mohammedan Sporting Club and Bashundhara Kings, prompting Abahani to formally request an extension of the registration window.
Amid these mounting complications, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has been forced to cancel the season-opening Challenge Cup clash, originally scheduled for 21 August. The marquee fixture was meant to pit reigning league champions Bashundhara Kings against runners-up Abahani. With both clubs bogged down by FIFA-related complications, the traditional curtain-raiser has been scrapped. Over the past two seasons, the fixture featured the Kings and Mohammedan, with the Kings claiming victory on both occasions.
The domestic calendar outlines the Federation Cup for 25 August and the Premier League kickoff for 28 August. However, defending champions Bashundhara Kings remain encumbered by ten active FIFA bans. During a recent meeting with the BFF, the club’s representative and coach, Syed Golam Jilani, requested an additional seven working days to sort out the impasse. Until their bans are lifted, completion of club licensing and subsequent player registration remains stalled.
With the official transfer window slated to close on 3 September, several participating clubs have voiced strong objections against the initial 19 August registration deadline, demanding unhindered registration access right up until the final day of the transfer period. Meanwhile, FIFA’s updated sanction list continues to feature other Bangladeshi outfits, including Fakirerpool Young Men’s Club, Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, and Soccer Club Feni, leaving clubs like Fakirerpool unable to commence squad formation despite securing preliminary clearances.
