The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is set to accept an invitation to participate in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup in Indonesia, after the withdrawal of India opened the door for a new participant.
The decision was reached on Friday by the National Teams Committee (NTC), which unanimously backed participation in the FIFA-funded tournament as part of Bangladesh’s preparations for the upcoming SAFF Championship.
Bangladesh were approached by tournament hosts Indonesia after the All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed that India would not participate because of a scheduling clash with their planned international friendly against Brazil.
BFF president and NTC chairman Tabith Awal sought the committee’s opinion on whether Bangladesh should accept the invitation or instead organise a four-nation tournament in Dhaka during the same international window.
The committee ultimately opted for the FIFA ASEAN Cup, believing that facing stronger international opposition would provide greater value for the national team.
“We unanimously gave our opinion to take part in the FIFA ASEAN Cup as part of the Bangladesh team’s preparation for the upcoming SAFF Championship, as Bangladesh will face better opponents,” NTC member and BFF executive committee member Sayed Hasan Kanon said.
Kanon also highlighted the financial and logistical benefits of accepting the invitation.
“Bangladesh will receive participation money while the hosts will provide accommodation and airfare, so it is a good option for us instead of hosting a four-nation tournament in Dhaka.”
The decision means Bangladesh will gain competitive international exposure without having to bear the full organisational costs of staging a tournament at home.
The FIFA-funded FIFA ASEAN Cup is scheduled to take place in Indonesia from September 21 to October 3, with eight teams competing in the Premier Division.
The teams will be divided into two groups, with the tournament forming part of the wider international calendar and providing participating nations with an opportunity to test themselves against quality opposition.
For Bangladesh, the tournament will be particularly valuable ahead of the SAFF Championship, where the team will be seeking to build momentum against opponents from across South Asia.
Credit Photo : FPF/Filippo Pruccoli
