Bangladesh women’s football team head coach Peter Butler refrained from making any comment against the complaints of a group of senior players who boycotted training under him and threatened to retire if he stays.
Butler trained the team comprising 13 players, chiefly younger ones, at Bangabandhu National Stadium Saturday morning, and without the 18 who protested.
The British tactician was found at Bangladesh Football Federation House in the afternoon.
He was leaving the place and had a little talk with the media before getting into the car.
“BFF president (Tabith Awal) is investigating, for whatever the reason. As far as I’m concerned, I just take more of high ground, continue to work with a group of young players that we have this morning. They were outstanding,” said the head coach.
When asked about the rest of the players who boycotted training under him two days ago, Butler replied: “No idea. Not interested enough. ‘Not interested’ you have got to say. I have just been professional and honest as possibly I can.”
Some 18 players of the national team spoke up against Butler and refused to continue under the coach.
They gave their take on the issue to the reporters, listing a series of complaints.
A couple of days later, Butler replied: “I have got nothing to say.
“I’m not interested on the rest. I’m more interested on the next group. I have no doubt they will serve the country with pride.”
He added: “We will continue training. The show goes on. We carry on – stay professional and organized and more importantly we stay sincere and honest.”
Butler first joined BFF as head of its Elite Football Academy.
He was then appointed as the head coach of the national women’s team ahead of the 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship in Nepal in October.
The dispute with the senior footballers became public after the first match of that tournament as some players were not happy with his team selection.
The protesting footballers also did not like the way Butler treated them on and off the field.
Now, they have boycotted training after his contract was extended.
A seven-member special committee has been formed by BFF to look into the matter.
