The Bangladesh Football Federation president Kazi Salahuddin on Monday said that he along with neighboring countries India and Pakistan are trying to create a market for sub-continental football throughout the world, especially in the UK and the Middle East. The president also said that All India Football Federation president Praful Patel shares the same vision with him and together they are trying to take sub-continental football to the expatriates around the world. Bangladesh is scheduled to play two Fifa International Friendlies at Craven Cottage, the home of Fulham on June 1 and 6 against India and Pakistan respectively and the BFF president said that this is the beginning of a pilot project they are planning with India and Pakistan. “I was amazed to see Praful Patel’s enthusiasm when we discussed the plan at the AFC Congress in Kuala Lumpur. Praful said that we have to make the project successful and hoped that the matches would help us explore this as a new horizon” said Salahuddin. Salahuddin said all the three countries are investing in the project with a eye on the future. “You know all the three countries have a big community in England, we don’t know the outcome of the matches, we will seriously monitor all the elements of the matches and the input will guide us towards new projects” said the BFF president. “The turnout, the scenario, the TV rights, the sponsors, the expenditure all are important factors, if all things go well then the three countries will sit together to sign a deal and focus on holding more matches where sub-continental people live, such as middle East,” he added. Salahuddin also expressed surprise about some reports that AIFF is not aware of the matches. “As per my knowledge all the paperwork related with the matches have been completed, we look forward to play some good football in England” concluded Salahuddin.
Thursday, March 27, 2025
