The protesting footballers of the Bangladesh national women’s team are set to end their boycott and return to training next month, according to Bangladesh Football Federation’s women’s wing committee chairman, Mahfuza Akter Kiron.
Eighteen female footballers - mainly senior players - boycotted training under head coach Peter Butler on January 29 and continued their protest for more than two weeks.
“We have been in continuous negotiations with them,” Kiron told reporters during a press briefing at the BFF House Sunday.
“I spoke to them today as well. Based on today’s discussions, I can say the girls will return to training,” she added.
However, Kiron also mentioned that the protesting footballers will not be joining the training camp immediately.
The Bangladesh women’s football team are scheduled to play two friendly matches in the United Arab Emirates on February 26 and March 1, but the protesting players will not be included in the squad.
The women’s football camp will conclude on February 24.
Kiron, who is also an Asian Football Confederation member, said the rebel players had requested a break.
“They will return to camp after the UAE friendlies and resume training. Once they are back, the women's wing, higher authorities, coaches, and team management will sit with them to resolve the misunderstandings,” Kiron stated.
Since boycotting training, the players have raised a series of complaints against Butler and sent a letter to BFF president Tabith Awal outlining their grievances.
A seven-member special probe committee, led by BFF senior vice-president Imrul Hasan, was formed immediately and submitted its report within a week.
Along with Kiron, BFF boss Tabith also met with the protesting players multiple times in an attempt to change their stance.
Meanwhile, BFF has prepared contract papers for 54 footballers, of whom 36 have signed, excluding the 18 protesting players.
Kiron added: “The girls have told me they will return to training and sign the contracts. This is a positive development for us, as it shows they have realized their mistakes and the misunderstandings.”
However, the protesting footballers declined to comment on the matter.
It has been learned that some players have yet to make a final decision regarding their future.