Rebel Women Footballers Finally Return Under Contract

Sports Desk

The 18 rebel players of the Bangladesh women’s national football team, who had previously abstained from training citing various demands, have now been brought under the central contract of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF). Notable players among them include Sabina Khatun, Sanjida Akter, Maria Manda, and Ritu Porna Chakma.

Mahfuza Akter Kiran, head of BFF’s women’s wing, confirmed this development to the media. Earlier, the federation had signed six-month contracts with 36 other women footballers. With the inclusion of these 18 new players, a total of 54 footballers are now under BFF’s central contract.

Kiran stated, “The remaining 18 players signed six-month contracts with BFF last week. These contracts are effective immediately from the signing date.”

Among the newly contracted players, eight are currently training at the national team camp under head coach Peter Butler. However, ten players—including Sabina, Sanjida, Maria, Ritu Porna, Monika Chakma, Masura Parvin, Krishna Rani, Rupna Chakma, Shamsunnahar Senior, and Matsushima Sumaiya—are currently abroad playing in Bhutan’s league.

Explaining how contracts were finalized with the players in Bhutan, Kiran said, “We sent the contract documents online to those 10 players in Bhutan. They signed and returned them to us.”

On January 30, the 18 footballers had refused to train under English coach Peter Butler, raising various complaints. At that time, there were 55 players in the national team camp. As the rebels remained firm, BFF proceeded to sign contracts with 36 players, excluding them and one other.

However, after the Bangladesh women’s team continued losing without its star players, BFF was compelled to soften its stance—though Butler has been retained as coach.