Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has written to the Ministry of Youth and Sports asking for Tk 200 crore for the overall development of football. Sources from both the BFF and the Sports Ministry have confirmed the matter.
Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has approached the Ministry of Youth and Sports with a renewed request for financial assistance. This follows the rejection of their initial proposal for a taka 450 crore four-year development project in the 2022-23 financial year. Sources within both the BFF and the Ministry have confirmed these developments.
The BFF's previous proposal, routed through the National Sports Council (NSC) and Ministry of Sports, ultimately fell afoul of the Ministry of Finance. Citing budgetary constraints, the request was denied. Undeterred, the Federation has returned a year later, seeking a significant financial injection. The newly appointed Youth and Sports Minister, Nazmul Hasan Papon, has adopted a more collaborative approach with sporting bodies. During a recent courtesy meeting, the BFF delegation presented a revised plan, requesting a 100 crore "seed fund." This sum, the BFF argued, would generate interest income that could be used to finance ongoing football development activities.
However, Minister Papon appears to have prioritised the refurbishment of the Bangabandhu Stadium over the proposed seed fund. This decision may reflect concerns surrounding the BFF's past financial management. It is understood that during the previous government's tenure, State Minister Zahid Ahsan Russel provided separate financial support to the Federation. Unfortunately, the BFF's use of these funds reportedly fell short of expectations, with a lack of proper accounting and adherence to directives.
These issues, coupled with documented instances of financial irregularities within FIFA itself – most notably the banning of former General Secretary, Finance Officer, and Operations Manager for improper use of FIFA funds – have cast a shadow over the BFF's current request. Additionally, a fine was levied against senior vice-president Abdus Salam Murshedi, who served as chairman of the Finance Committee during this period.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports will undoubtedly consider the BFF's checkered financial history alongside their latest funding request. Whether the Federation can overcome these concerns and secure the resources they seek remains to be seen.
