Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has unveiled exciting news for fans: the revival of the Super Cup tournament and a comprehensive domestic calendar for the 2024-25 season. First introduced in 2009 by then-BFF President Kazi Mohammed Salahuddin, the Super Cup quickly became a fan favorite.
However, the tournament was last held in 2013. Now, after a ten-year lapse, the Super Cup is set to return, spicing up the domestic football scene.
The upcoming edition promises a thrilling format. The top four teams from the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) will battle it out in a double round-robin format, ensuring fans get to witness multiple high-octane clashes between the league's best. The tournament will culminate in a final match, crowning the ultimate champion.
While details about the prize money haven't been finalized, the return of the Super Cup itself is a significant development. The prospect of substantial prize money, especially if sponsors are secured, could further elevate the tournament's prestige and attract even more interest from players and fans alike.
But, Kazi Salahuddin, who introduced the Super Cup at his first tenure as the BFF president, while talking to the Bangladesh Post on Friday informed that it’s not yet even at the preliminary stage, as he said, “Actually, we did not discuss details about it and it is just at initial stage of discussion.
So Right now I can’t say anything about any development of the tournament.”
BFF didn't stop at just reviving the Super Cup.
They've also unveiled a meticulously crafted domestic calendar for the upcoming season, ensuring a year filled with non-stop footballing action.
The ongoing BPL season is set to conclude on May 29th. This will be followed by a brief transfer window allowing clubs to bolster their squads with both local and foreign players. The transfer window will remain open for two days, closing on August 19th.
Come September, the prestigious Independence Cup will take center stage. This will be followed by the much-anticipated League Cup and Federation Cup, which will run consecutively from October to April.
The newly revived Super Cup has been strategically slotted in for May, ensuring a continuous stream of tournaments throughout the year.
The Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) recent restructuring of club competitions has created a buzz of anticipation. While details regarding Bangladeshi clubs' potential participation in the revamped structure are yet to be confirmed, the BFF has taken a proactive approach.
The domestic calendar has been meticulously crafted to align with the AFC's timeframe, ensuring Bangladeshi clubs are well-prepared for any upcoming continental opportunities.
The past two BPL seasons were held outside Dhaka due to ongoing renovations at the Bangabandhu National Stadium, the country's premier football venue.
While the stadium's availability for the new season remains uncertain, the BFF is keeping its options open. Clubs have the liberty to propose alternative venues before the season's kickoff, ensuring maximum flexibility.
The upcoming season also welcomes new additions to the Independence Cup and Federation Cup.
Mymensingh's Rafiquddin Ahmed Bhuiyan Stadium joins the fray, alongside familiar names like Bashundhara Kings Arena, Gopalganj Stadium, and Munshiganj Stadium.
For the U-16 and U-18 tournaments, the BFF is exploring a variety of potential venues.
Existing grounds belonging to Premier League clubs are strong contenders, along with Kamalapur Turf, Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club ground, Fortis FC Academy, Bashundhara Kings' training ground, Physical Education College, and Paltan Outer Stadium.
With the return of the Super Cup, a well-structured domestic calendar, and adaptability to the AFC's revamp, the future of Bangladeshi football appears bright.
Fans can gear up for a season filled with high-voltage matches, emerging stars, and the potential for Bangladeshi clubs to shine on the continental stage.
