FIFA president Gianni Infantino has offered fresh encouragement for football development in Bangladesh, signalling plans for a training centre and academy in the country’s southern region and expressing his intention to return soon. His remarks followed a brief two-hour stopover in Dhaka while travelling from Morocco to Bhutan, where discussions with Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) president Tabith Awal focused on infrastructure, grassroots development and continued support from world football’s governing body.
In a video message shared on the BFF’s Facebook page, Infantino acknowledged that his latest visit had been short but said discussions were under way about a return to Bangladesh. He indicated that potential projects were being considered in the south as well as other parts of the country.
“This visit was very short, but we will have to come back very soon. We are discussing this with the president. There are some great projects for a training centre and an academy in the southern part of the country. There are also projects in other parts of the country,” Infantino said.
Describing Bangladesh as a large country with a deep passion for football, he stressed the importance of working together to make a greater contribution to the sport’s development.
“Of course, I will come back. We want to work together to make an even bigger impact on football development, and we are looking at possible dates for a return very soon,” he added.
Although the proposed facilities have yet to be detailed publicly, the announcement has raised expectations that Bangladesh could receive further support for improving its football infrastructure and expanding opportunities for emerging players.
Airport Meeting Focuses on Development Priorities
Infantino arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka yesterday afternoon while travelling from Morocco to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. With no direct flight available to his destination, he made a brief transit stop in Bangladesh.
Tabith Awal welcomed the FIFA president at the airport, where the two held a courtesy meeting. Several members of the BFF executive committee and federation officials were also present.
Despite the limited time available, the discussions covered the use of FIFA Forward funding, football infrastructure and efforts to strengthen the game at grassroots level.
The FIFA Forward programme supports football development among member associations through funding for eligible projects. Such assistance can help improve facilities, strengthen football administration and create better conditions for player development, subject to the programme’s requirements and approval processes.
For Bangladesh, making effective use of this support could help address longstanding infrastructure needs and provide more structured training opportunities for young footballers. The success of such initiatives, however, will depend on sound planning, effective implementation and the ability to maintain facilities over the long term.
Stadium Upgrades and Technical Facilities Planned
According to information provided by the BFF, the federation has already received responsibility from the government for 15 acres of land and two stadiums. These resources are expected to contribute to its wider infrastructure development efforts.
Plans involving FIFA funding include stadium renovations, the installation of floodlights, the construction of a technical centre and the development of a hybrid pitch in Sylhet.
If completed, these projects could improve the facilities available for training and competition. Floodlighting would allow matches and practice sessions to take place in the evening at suitable venues, while a technical centre could support coaching, player preparation and other football development activities.
The planned hybrid pitch in Sylhet could also improve playing conditions and the usability of the facility. However, the long-term value of these investments will depend on regular maintenance, appropriate management and consistent use by players and football organisations.
Infrastructure alone cannot guarantee progress. Facilities must be supported by qualified coaches, structured training programmes and regular competitive opportunities if they are to contribute meaningfully to the development of the sport.
Southern Academy Could Broaden the Talent Pool
The proposed training centre and academy in southern Bangladesh could become an important part of efforts to expand football opportunities beyond the capital.
Regional training facilities can help identify promising players who might otherwise struggle to access specialised coaching or suitable playing environments. They can also provide a more organised pathway for young footballers to progress from local competitions to higher levels of the game.
A well-managed academy typically combines age-group coaching, technical instruction, physical conditioning and regular assessment of players’ progress. Access to these facilities, together with opportunities to compete against strong opposition, can help young players develop the skills and experience required for professional football.
Establishing such a centre in the south could also help the BFF strengthen its regional talent-identification network. Yet the benefits would depend on the quality of its coaching staff, the availability of sustainable funding and the effectiveness of its long-term management.
Infantino did not disclose the proposed location, estimated cost, funding arrangements or construction timetable for the southern training centre and academy. Details of the projects will therefore need to be clarified before their likely impact or implementation schedule can be assessed.
Earlier Jakarta Talks Set the Context
The Dhaka stopover followed a meeting between Infantino and Awal in Jakarta, Indonesia, earlier this month, on the sidelines of the FIFA ASEAN Cup.
Their discussions covered men’s and women’s football in Bangladesh, age-group competitions, infrastructure development and FIFA’s various development programmes. Continued assistance from FIFA was also an important subject.
The meeting reflected the BFF’s efforts to maintain close engagement with the global governing body and secure support for projects designed to strengthen the domestic game.
Awal had previously indicated that Infantino was prepared to visit Bangladesh for the official inauguration of development projects once tangible progress had been made. The FIFA president’s latest comments have renewed expectations of such a visit, although no date has been confirmed.
For the BFF, the challenge will be to turn discussions into measurable progress. Better facilities could support improved coaching and player preparation, but sustained development will require a coordinated approach involving infrastructure, grassroots programmes and opportunities for both male and female players.
Presidential Election Was Not Discussed, Says Awal
Infantino is seeking a third term as FIFA president in an election scheduled for March next year. However, Awal said the forthcoming election was not discussed during their meeting in Dhaka.
Asked by journalists whether they had spoken about the election or related political issues, the BFF president said their conversation had focused on football development.
Awal explained that prospective candidates were expected to submit their nomination forms by 18 November. The BFF would wait to see who entered the contest before determining or announcing its position, he said.
He also stressed the importance of continuing the federation’s work under the existing administrative arrangements and completing the necessary tasks before the end of 2026.
His comments suggest that the BFF intends to prioritise its ongoing development agenda while the FIFA electoral process moves forward. The federation’s eventual position on the presidential election remains undecided, according to his remarks.
Implementation Will Determine the Impact
Infantino’s brief visit has brought renewed attention to Bangladesh’s football development plans, particularly the proposed southern academy and training centre. Planned stadium renovations, floodlighting, technical facilities and improvements to the playing surface in Sylhet could also contribute to a stronger domestic football structure.
For Bangladesh, the broader objective is to create a sustainable pathway for players from grassroots participation to elite competition. This will require not only modern facilities but also reliable funding, competent administration, qualified coaches and regular opportunities for young players to compete.
The proposed projects could help advance those goals if they receive the necessary approvals and are implemented effectively. Clear timetables, transparent funding arrangements and appropriate oversight will be essential to ensure that the plans deliver lasting benefits.
Infantino has expressed a willingness to return to Bangladesh, but the date of his next visit remains uncertain. For now, attention will centre on whether the discussions between FIFA and the BFF lead to concrete decisions and visible progress.
His message offers encouragement to Bangladesh’s football community. The decisive measure of success, however, will be whether the promised initiatives translate into better facilities, wider access to training and stronger development opportunities for the country’s next generation of footballers.
