Historic Saff Championship 2022 winning member Anuching Mogini was shocked to learn that Bangladesh women's team would not participate in the Paris Olympics 2024 qualifiers due to financial constraint.
“I felt very sad to hear this because it's not about Asia but a qualifying round to go to Europe. It was a dream to play there and all worked hard to play in such a big tournament,” the 20-year old forward told Dhaka Tribune.
“Some teams like Bhutan do not usually win but participate in the qualifier. But we win most of the time and this has happened to us.
“It is a shame. I was surprised. There is money from sponsors, Fifa and AFC for women's football. I feel really bad that the girls couldn't play due to money.”
Anuching announced her shock retirement from international football after getting excluded from the national camp in January this year.
“I am not with the national team and I feel bad about it. So the players in the camp would feel worse. They sacrificed many things including their studies and family and worked really hard,” she added.
“It is a big loss for the women's team. If the men's team can play friendly matches in Saudi Arabia, why can't the women's team play?”
She is now considering a return to football as she carried on practice in Khagrachhari to be available for the upcoming league.
She also trained young female booters in her locality.
“Everyone requested me not to retire from football. So I am looking forward. I started practicing myself after five days and also trained others. If I get a good offer from a club I will join.”
Anuching was the first to speak against the football federation which she said disrespected her during the farewell days from the camp.
The national female players also recently boycotted training for one day as a protest against low salaries, despite bringing unprecedented success over the years.
“The boys earn crores of Taka but the girls get some thousand Taka, which is spent on their family. Despite working hard if the girls get such treatment they may not want to continue playing,” Anuching feared.
According to Bangladesh Football Federation president Kazi Salahuddin's latest press conference, the Prime Minister's Office was concerned with the news of not taking part in the Olympics qualifiers due to money.
Anuching hoped such withdrawal from important competition would not be repeated in future.
“I hope it does not happen again as the news reached the Prime Minister's Office and sports ministry. They will also now look into it,” she said.
