FIFA President Gianni Infantino may make a brief stopover in Dhaka on Sunday during his journey to Bhutan, according to football officials in Bangladesh. Whilst the visit is expected to be short, football authorities in the capital are making preparations to welcome the head of world football’s governing body should his flight land in the country.
Infantino is scheduled to visit Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, as part of his regional engagements. Due to limited direct commercial flights to Bhutan’s mountainous territory, international travellers often require technical layovers or connecting stops. Potential transit locations for Infantino’s flight include Dhaka, Saidpur, or designated airports in neighbouring India. Although the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has not received definitive confirmation regarding whether the FIFA chief will choose Dhaka for his layover, the governing body is leaving nothing to chance.
Administrative preparations are already well underway to ensure seamless movement through Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. The BFF General Secretary visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday afternoon to coordinate diplomatic protocols and expedite immigration clearance. The goal is to facilitate swift processing so that Infantino and his delegation experience no unnecessary delays during their time on the ground.
If Infantino remains in the airport’s VIP lounge during the stopover, high-ranking officials from the local federation plan to meet him in person. The BFF President and Vice-Presidents are prepared to hold a courtesy meeting, offering an opportunity to exchange brief pleasantries and discuss regional football matters informally.
Infantino previously visited Bangladesh on an official tour in October 2019, during which he held discussions with top football administrators and state officials regarding the development of the sport in the region. Although this potential visit is strictly logistical rather than an official bilateral fixture, Bangladeshi football administrators view even a brief encounter as a valuable moment to maintain strong ties with global football leadership.
