Bangladesh Football Federation Wednesday increased the wages of national women’s football team players by more than double following a number of demands from the footballers in recent times.
The female footballers led by captain Sabina Khatun signed the contracts in the presence of BFF president Kazi Salahuddin at BFF House, thus opening a new chapter in women’s football in the country.
A total of 31 players split into three pools have been signed under the new contracts where 15 booters in Pool A will get Tk50,000 per month while 10 in Pool B will earn Tk30,000.
Pool C players will collect a remuneration of Tk20,000 and Tk15,000.
Before this, Sabina was the highest paid member in the team as the skipper used to receive around Tk20,000 per month.
The salary of the rest of the players was Tk10,000 or less.
Under the new deal, from now on, the players will also pocket match fees, something that was absent in the past.
“I covered everything they asked for except one thing, which is Eid bonus, because it is not in the norms,” Salahuddin told reporters at a press conference after the contract signing, informing that he expects “good” performance from the players in the future.
When asked about the source of the money, the BFF boss replied: “There are some sponsors for women’s football and there is money from FIFA. We combined these two sources so that the players can be happy.”
Women’s wing committee chairman Mahfuza Khatun Kiron hoped, “From today, women’s football in the country will reach a better level. The players will be more serious and disciplined.”
Sabina was also delighted.
She said: “I want to express my gratitude to BFF on behalf of the players. Sir (Salahuddin) fulfilled our requests. The girls are happy.”
The initial contracts are for six months and it will be renewed considering the performance of the players.
Pool A (Tk50,000): Sabina Khatun, Rupna Chakma, Masura Parvin, Shamsunnahar, Sheuli Azim, Nilufa Yasmin Nila, Anai Mogini, Maria Manda, Monika Chakma, Shamsunnahar Jr, Ritu Porna Chakma, Sanjida Akter, Marzia, Krishna Rani Sarkar, Tohura Khatun
Pool B (Tk30,000): Sohagi Kisku, Shopna Rani, Afeida Khandakar, Shaheda Akter Ripa, Shorna Rani Mandal, Mosammat Aklima Khatun, Mosammat Surma Jannat, Sathi Biswas, Matsushima Sumaya, Unnoti Khatun
Pool C (Tk20,000/15,000): Mosammat Halima Akter, Kohati Kisku, Nasrin Akter, Mosammat Ety Khatun (all 20k), Rupa, Airin Khatun (both 15k)