In its bid to ensure an equal impact and add more glamour to the Bangabandhu Gold Cup, Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is thinking of hosting the tournament in a different manner.
Usually, two groups in a football competition play their matches in two different venues. However, in order to promote the event properly, BFF is planning on utilising the two venues – Dhaka and Sylhet – for both the groups.
The idea of holding Bangladesh’s group stage matches in Sylhet has reportedly ignited negative criticisms. And responding to the vitriol, BFF has altered its strategy. “We are now planning to use the two venues for both the groups. It means, Bangladesh will now play one of their group matches in Dhaka and the other in Sylhet. This will be applicable for the other teams also,” said BFF general secretary Abu Nayeem Shohag yesterday.
Shohag said there will be nine match-days in total with one semifinal slated for Sylhet. “As per our plans, there will be three match-days in Dhaka on January 16, 17 and 18 while in Sylhet, the three match-days have been scheduled for January 19, 20 and 21. The first semifinal will be held in Sylhet on January 23, the second in Dhaka on January 24. Following a two-day break, the final will take place on January 27 at Bangabandhu National Stadium.
“Although it will increase our cost a bit, it will still be convenient for the spectators.”
The Bangabandhu Gold Cup will feature hosts Bangladesh, Bahrain, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore with all the five teams confirming their participation.
The sixth and final team is likely to be either Pakistan or Maldives in place of Laos.