BPL clubs in favour of reducing foreign players

Almost all 13 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) clubs except three without any feedback wrote to Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) for the drop of foreign players’ quota in the upcoming 2020-21 domestic season.

Maximum five foreign recruits were allowed to register at each club during the previous season when the premier league was called off before the completion of six rounds of fixtures due to Covid-19 pandemic.

The players and clubs suffered financially during the pandemic and that arised the discussion whether they would be able to bear the expenses on foreign booters anytime soon.

Some seven clubs verbally wanted to play the next season with local players only during the last professional league committee meeting. The attitude, however, was altered within few days when the BFF asked for written opinion on the same matter.

Abahani Limited, Dhaka gave no opinion during the meeting and their stance remained unchanged afterwards. Mohammedan Sporting Club and Chattagram Abahani Limited also gave no written feedback. Saif Sporting and Uttar Baridhara opined to play without foreigners. The other eight clubs want foreign players but their opinion on number of quota varies, informed BFF competition manager Zaber Bin Taher Ansari to Dhaka Tribune.

“One club wanted maximum five players. One club recommended for two foreigners. Rest of others recommended for the registration of 3-4 players. There will be league committee meeting on 17 September to discuss the matter.” he added without mentioning the names.

The federation also asked for written feedback on the payment issues of local players signed up last season as well as venues of upcoming BPL. Most clubs agreed to reduce the number of venues to three to four considering the Covid-19 situation. Proposals of clubs regarding local players’ payment have not also changed much from the meeting which was 20-25% remuneration for making up the season cancelled with three-fourth league fixtures remained to play along with the Independence Cup.