Bangladesh coach Fabio Lopez along with the Bangladesh Football Federation were put in a disgraceful situation yesterday ahead of their Fifa World Cup Qualifier against Australia today. Rumours were already in the air long before the pre-match press -conference that Bangladesh Premier League club Sheikh Jamal DC pulled 11 of its players from the national camp for attending a club program. When Jamal Bhuiyan entered the media interaction area, instead of regular captain Mamunul Islam, alongside the coach, it was confirmed.
“I don’t know (where my captain is). Some club took them. I didn’t give permission,” were the words that came out of Lopez as the journalists present were also surprised to see the national captain absent during such an event. Lopez, who seemed pretty disgusted of the fact that his key players were not practicing when they should be, added, “Everything can be a distraction for the team. The only time when the team is allowed lonely time away from everything, it can be good.”
Team manager Amirul Islam Babu extended the shock saying, “Sheikh Jamal club has a program today (Monday). There are 10/11 players in the national team (who also play for the club). The club appealed for its players to the general secretary. I did not give permission.”
The irrational move by the club has left the entire football arena baffled as people are questioning the BPL champions’ decision to take away the players from national camp a day before they face Asian champions Australia.
The storm of questions soon shifted towards BFF general secretary Abu Nayeem Shohag and although he was not suppose to be a spokesperson during the presser, he had no choice but to answer.
“From our side, we advised them (club) if the program could be arranged the morning after the match. They didn’t listen to us. There was no permission given from us (BFF). It could be said they have taken the players forcefully. They sent transport for the players,” Shohag said.
He added that “It’s an issue of national teams committee” and only they will analyse the situation and decide if it is a punishable incident.
