Bangladesh Premier League footballers put up a proposal to take full payment of the annulled season, but are ready to sacrifice around 40% pay cut of the previous contract when they renew deals in the upcoming transfer window of the 2020-21 season.
The players want to stay at the same club they signed for in the 2019-20 season, which was called off after one tournament, Federation Cup, and only five rounds of the premier league due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bangladesh Football Federation sat in a meeting with the representatives of BPL footballers at BFF House Tuesday regarding the payment issues, before announcing new dates for the upcoming window.
“We are ready to sacrifice because the pandemic affected not only the footballers but also the clubs. We are ready to take 30-40% pay cut next season, but want full payment of last season and we shall remain at the same club,” said national team's Abahani Limited midfielder Mamunul Islam after exchange of views with the federation.
Some 20 footballers from different top-flight clubs including national team’s Sheikh Russel KC goalkeeper Ashraful Islam Rana and Bashundhara Kings defender Topu Barman joined the discussion, led by professional league committee chairman Abdus Salam Murshedy.
Rana further clarified that the proposal of pay cut is not applicable for those who were signed for less than Tk5 laks.
He also said anyone can transfer to another club through mutual understanding.
Murshedy, also the BFF senior vice-president, informed that they will discuss players’ proposal with the club representatives in upcoming days to settle the payment issue and finalize schedule for next season.
BFF also hoped to start transfer window next month and hold curtain-raising tournament by this year.
