The Bangladesh Football Federation yesterday agreed in principle to the proposal of hosting the franchise-based professional football league but provided a clause – bring Argentine legend Diego Maradona in Bangladesh before the mega event.
Earlier on December 22 last year, the Celebrity Management Group, one of the leading sports management firms in India, showed their interest in organising a franchise-based professional football league in Bangladesh, just like the recently concluded Indian Super League, titled “Bangladesh Super Soccer”. CMG is planning to hold the tournament in November this year.
CMG executive director Bhaswar Goswami revisited BFF House yesterday where president Kazi Salahuddin gave the event management group a condition that Maradona, arguably the greatest footballer ever, should have to come to Bangladesh so that they can attract the attention of the sponsors.
“We talked to them (CMG) and told them to bring Maradona to Bangladesh first. Then I will be able to comprehend our interest and craze regarding the franchise league. We gave them our agreement and invitation letter to make the arrangement of bringing Maradona to Bangladesh,” said Salahuddin yesterday.
The plan is to bring Maradona in Dhaka in order to attract the sponsors. A press conference will then be arranged with the presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith along with the former Argentine World Cup winner.
Goswami is confident of Maradona coming to Bangladesh. “We will bring him to Bangladesh as soon as possible,” said Goswami. The CMG executive director added that they would meet Maradona in Spain on January 29.
Meanwhile, CMG wanted to hold the first official press conference of the franchise league in London but the BFF insisted that it should be held in Dhaka.
Goswami also revealed other details of the much-hyped tournament. The franchise clubs will be collaborated with the Latin and European clubs.
For instance, if the franchise club from Barisal collaborate with Brazilian club Flamengo, their title would be something like “Barisal Flamengo”. The Brazilian club will send their head coach and might also provide some of the players. They will also provide technical aspects to strengthen the club’s root-level as well as the academy.
CMG will be responsible for selling the international television rights of the Bangladesh Super Soccer. They will also open an YouTube channel so that the viewers can watch the matches live on internet for free.
