FIFA President Stops in Dhaka for Transit: What BFF Chief Asked For

Sports Desk

FIFA President Gianni Infantino may visit Bangladesh if there is significant progress in the country’s football development projects, including a technical center in Cox’s Bazar, a proposed hybrid pitch in Sylhet, and renovation of two stadiums under the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).

BFF President Tabith Awal met with the FIFA president during a brief transit stop at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Sunday. After the meeting, he outlined the conditions for Infantino’s visit to Bangladesh to reporters.

Infantino spent about two hours in Dhaka on his way from Morocco to Bhutan. During this time, a delegation of BFF vice-presidents met him. The main objective of the meeting was to develop football and create opportunities for closer cooperation with FIFA, rather than formally discussing any specific project.

“We have to set our own time for the visit,” Tabith told reporters. “If we can start work on any of these projects, it will definitely create a reason for an official visit.”

The BFF president mentioned three possible milestones – starting work on the proposed technical center in Cox’s Bazar, setting up a hybrid pitch in Sylhet, or starting renovation work including installing floodlights in the two stadiums under the control of the BFF (Sylhet and Chittagong).

He also said that if Bangladesh launches any football development initiative or organizes any FIFA-sponsored or FIFA-approved tournament, the tour can be scheduled.

A large part of the discussion was on the FIFA Forward Program, through which the world football governing body provides funding to member countries for development projects. Tabith said Bangladesh has not been able to use a portion of the allocated funds for years, but he is hopeful that the money will finally be available for use this year.

Referring to the estimated budget of around Tk 350 crore, he said, “The entire budget you are talking about is part of our FIFA Forward Program. The money under this program was stuck for a long time and we were not able to use it. I am hopeful that we will be able to start using that fund from this year.”

The BFF has faced delays in setting up the proposed technical centre due to difficulties in securing suitable land. Last September, the government allocated 15.2 acres of land for the FIFA-funded facility in Rashidnagar, Ramu upazila of Cox’s Bazar. It will have accommodation for players and coaches, as well as a training pitch. The main objective of the project is to create a dedicated base for the development of footballers and conduct other football activities.

Beyond infrastructure, discussions with Infantino also included Bangladesh’s participation in international competitions, including the FIFA Asian Cup, and the possibility of playing more matches against European opponents. They also discussed engaging the Bangladeshi diaspora and fans in football in countries such as the UK, Italy, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.