Brazil bound for Bangladesh?

Could Brazil really be heading for Bangladesh? That possibility gained momentum on Sunday after a five-member delegation from the Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) inspected two Dhaka stadiums, apparently assessing their suitability for a future Brazil fixture.

The delegation, led by Sergio Dimas de Oliveira, general supervisor of Brazil’s men’s national team, visited the National Stadium and Bashundhara Kings Arena to assess their facilities, according to Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) officials.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

The CBF representatives arrived in Dhaka at around 1:00pm from Kolkata, where they had also inspected the Salt Lake Stadium ahead of Brazil’s scheduled October 3 friendly against India. They went straight to the National Stadium, spending around 45 minutes inspecting the newly laid pitch, dressing rooms, galleries, drainage system and other facilities.

The delegation then travelled to Bashundhara Kings Arena, where they inspected the main stadium, practice grounds, gymnasium and other facilities.

The visit has fuelled speculation that Brazil could either use Dhaka as a neutral venue or play Bangladesh in a future international fixture.

“What they told us is that they can use our stadium as a neutral venue or can play against Bangladesh in future,” BFF executive committee member Iqbal Hossain told reporters after accompanying the delegation.

Bashundhara Kings media manager Shihab Rahman said the Brazilian officials were looking for a venue with a complete range of facilities.

“They were searching for a venue having total facilities such as the playground, practice ground, gym and recovery venue and I think they got it at Bashundhara Kings Arena,” Rahman said.

He added that the CBF officials had said the venue would need to be closed for seven days if Brazil decided to play there, with adequate security arrangements also required.

“They are mulling to avail a window within two months, either the coming window or the next window in November,” Rahman said.

However, it remains unclear whether the BFF invited the CBF delegation or whether the Brazilian officials came independently to assess the venues.

There has also been speculation that Brazil could hold a training session in Dhaka before travelling to India for the October 3 friendly, but Iqbal said no such discussions had taken place.

The delegation was scheduled to have dinner with BFF president Tabith Awal before leaving Bangladesh in the early hours of Monday.