Mohammedan Sporting Club (MSC) has cast doubt on the refereeing for the upcoming Federation Cup final. The club, nicknamed the "Black & Whites", has written a letter to the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) requesting a neutral referee for the match.
Defending champions, MSC, are set to face two-time winners, Bashundhara Kings, in the ABG Bashundhara Federation Cup final at Rafique Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium, Mymensingh, on Wednesday at 4:00 PM.
"We simply want a competent referee for the final," stated Black & Whites manager Imtiaz Ahmed Nakib.
Criticisms of officiating in domestic football are rife. There have even been instances where a club has objected to the appointed referee, leading to a last-minute change. This is the unfortunate reality of our domestic game.
Major clubs have previously voiced their concerns about refereeing standards, yet the highest governing body appears to have taken no action to address them. Rumours abound of favouritism towards certain teams. A player from a big club was pictured pushing an opponent by the neck in full view of the referee, and then following it up with a boot to the thigh, yet the BFF seemingly turned a blind eye.
These are the fears that trouble Mohammedan. They believe a lack of a high-quality referee for the Federation Cup final could tarnish the beautiful game. It is understood that MSC have lodged an objection and submitted the names of five preferred referees.
A victory for Bashundhara Kings in the Fed Cup would see them claim a prestigious treble.
