Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is on the cusp of a game-changing project, with FIFA set to pump a whopping Tk39 crore into a residential training academy in the coastal district of Cox’s Bazar. The proposed ‘BFF Centre of Excellence’ is poised to transform the nation’s football landscape.
The green light for the project hinges on an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report, which has been meticulously compiled and submitted to FIFA. BFF General Secretary Imran Hossain Tushar revealed the details at a press briefing yesterday, expressing optimism about the project’s progression.
The 20-acre site, a slice of Khuniapalang Reserve Forest, has been granted to the BFF by the government. However, the environmental implications of building on such sensitive land have necessitated a thorough assessment. Dhaka University has been tasked with producing the ESIA report, and its findings have been deemed positive by the BFF.
Tushar outlined some of the stringent conditions imposed by the report. “We’re restricted to the 20-acre plot and must replace every tree felled. The local wildlife, including elephants and reptiles, must be protected. We also have a responsibility to engage with the local community, providing jobs and sporting opportunities,” he said.
“The FIFA Excellence Academy will be established with FIFA funding in Cox’s Bazar. FIFA asked for an ESIA report for the work there. We prepared it through Dhaka University (DU). We have received positive reports from DU and it has already been sent to FIFA. There are also some other conditions, after accomplishing those we will go ahead to our project,” Tushar said the media.
The BFF is eagerly awaiting FIFA’s verdict on the ESIA report, with a decision expected by the end of August. If approved, the project will move to the next stage, with FIFA appointing a consultant to draw up detailed plans.
While the prospect of state-of-the-art pitches and accommodation facilities is tantalising, Tushar cautioned against premature excitement. “Everything is still in the planning phase,” he stressed. “The timeline for construction will depend entirely on FIFA’s approval.”
With a potential investment of $3.3 million on the table, the BFF is dreaming big. But for now, the focus remains firmly on securing FIFA’s blessing.
Meanwhile, BFF have already sketched preliminary plans to build two or three grounds and residential buildings. Apart from three natural turf filed, there would be an artificial ground also but all are yet to be finalised.
