Written Statement by Women Footballers Alleging Misconduct Against Coach

Sports Desk

The players of the national women’s football team have rebelled against coach Peter Butler. They have announced that they will retire en masse if the coach is not dismissed. On Thursday, during a press conference, captain Sabina Khatun read out a written statement on behalf of all the players. The statement is as follows:

Dear Journalist Brothers and Sisters,

Assalamu Alaikum. We have been forced to stand before you during a critical time. Through you, the entire nation has learned about the challenging path we have traversed to bring the SAFF Championship trophy home twice in a row for our country. You are aware of the immense effort and obstacles we have overcome to reach this stage. Last October, during the SAFF Championship in Kathmandu, Nepal, we once again proved that we are the best. However, during the tournament, the rift between the team’s coach, Peter Butler, and the players became public. He tried to manipulate the team by forming the lineup as he wished, almost leading the team to failure.

In the match against Pakistan, everyone saw that the coach’s decision to exclude senior players from the starting lineup was a mistake. We barely managed to draw a match we were on the verge of losing. In the match against India, under pressure, he was forced to change the lineup, and a senior-rich Bangladesh team defeated India to top the group. This proved that we were right.

However, even before that match, we knew that the lineup was formed as a result of a rebellion against the coach. Had we failed, we would have been labeled as villains by BAFFE officials and the people of the country. Our careers would have ended right there. Despite knowing this, we took the risk to fight for our country. We expected the Football Federation to value our fight, emotions, and love for the country.

But that did not happen. Instead, after returning from SAFF, something happened for which we were completely unprepared. The Bangladesh Football Federation renewed the contract of this controversial individual for another two years. This decision completely ignored the demands and concerns of the female players.

Many may wonder why we do not want Butler as our coach. To clarify, we present the following points:

1. Ignoring Players’ Concerns: Despite numerous incidents in Nepal, the coach could have resolved the issues there itself. After winning SAFF, he could have sat with us to address the problems. Instead, he chose to ignore us continuously. We were surprised and waited for him to call a meeting, but he never did. After returning to Bangladesh, a BAFFE vice-president met with the coach and warned him about his behavior. Our question is, why did he need to be warned? Doesn’t he have the basic sense to know what is right and wrong?
2.  Unprofessional Behavior: In an important match, the coach forgot that he had five substitutions available. In the first SAFF match against Pakistan, when we were trailing 1-0, the head coach decided to substitute Sanjida. However, at the time of substitution, he realized he did not have the substitution form. He had already used three substitutions, and the forms were exhausted. At that time, 95 minutes had passed, and Bangladesh was still trailing 1-0. We still had two substitutions left, but no forms. This incident was extremely embarrassing and laughable. Such unprofessional behavior is unexpected from a highly qualified coach.
3. Disrespectful Conduct: During the same match, when Krishna was about to be substituted, an assistant coach asked for her jersey number. A teammate answered on her behalf. When the assistant coach asked again, another teammate answered. The coach became furious and rushed toward Krishna. We do not know if such behavior is acceptable from a coach over a trivial matter like a jersey number.
4. Harassment and Humiliation: Not only on the field, but off the field as well, the coach has consistently mistreated us. He has mocked us, created divisions between senior and junior players, and made inappropriate comments about our clothing and bodies. He has even made derogatory remarks about our personal lives. The coach always accuses us of disciplinary violations, which is completely false. Past coaches have never raised such issues. The assistant coaches are aware of these incidents but remain silent out of fear of losing their jobs.
5. Toxic Environment: We submitted a letter to the honorable president of BAFFE last Wednesday, detailing the coach’s behavior. In the letter, we wrote: “We are writing to bring a serious matter to your attention. Coach Peter’s behavior has created severe anxiety within the team, leading to a toxic environment in the camp. This has caused significant mental distress to the players. Over the past six months, we have endured verbal abuse, mental harassment, and intimidation from the coach. This has created an atmosphere of fear in the camp. The players, especially the senior members, have faced continuous discrimination and unfair treatment. Such behavior is not only disrespectful but also hinders team performance.”
6. Division Within the Team: We do not want any division within the team. Therefore, we do not need a coach who creates such divisions. Coach Peter has used some junior players as pawns to create instability within the team. He has also spread falsehoods, claiming that we, the senior players, are pressuring junior players not to participate in training under him. We categorically deny these allegations. Every player in the camp is mature enough to make their own decisions, and they have done so independently.

In conclusion, we hope that the honorable president of BAFFE will take this matter seriously and resolve it promptly. Until then, we will not participate in any training camp under Peter Butler. Since BAFFE has not renewed any player contracts since October, they have no legal grounds to take action against us. However, if BAFFE decides to retain Peter Butler, we will have no choice but to resign collectively. We will assume that our services are no longer needed in women’s football in Bangladesh.

Thank you all.