Fortis, Police set for AFC club licences

Fortis FC and Bangladesh Police FC have moved ahead of traditional powerhouses Abahani and Bashundhara Kings in the race for AFC club licensing. 

They are likely to represent Bangladesh in the upcoming AFC Challenge League for the first time, regardless of their final standings in the ongoing Bangladesh Football League.

Usually, the BFL champions receive an indirect slot in the AFC Challenge League, subject to obtaining the AFC club licence. However, both Abahani and Kings -- currently locked in the title race with only two rounds remaining -- are facing complications after FIFA imposed registration bans on the two clubs.

A source within the Bangladesh Football Federation said the federation’s First Instance Body (FIB), responsible for assessing club licensing criteria, recommended Fortis and Police FC for AFC club licences during Saturday’s meeting. Six other clubs, including Abahani and Kings, reportedly failed to meet all requirements.

Abahani and Kings, however, will have until May 25 to appeal before the AFC makes its final decision on May 31.

“We have sought time until June to fulfil all club licensing conditions, especially clearing unpaid wages of foreign players to lift the FIFA registration ban,” said Abahani manager Satyajit Das Rupu, adding that unpaid salaries were the only issue preventing them from meeting the criteria.

No official from Bashundhara Kings was available for comment regarding the matter.
Fortis FC manager Rashedul Islam said the club remained optimistic about securing the licence in its first attempt.

“We have fulfilled all the requirements for club licensing. If we can finish among the top two, we are interested in playing the AFC Challenge League. Even if opportunities arise because of other clubs’ setbacks, we will consider participating,” he said.

Following a letter from the BFF, eight clubs expressed interest in obtaining AFC club licences before the December 28 deadline. The licensing process officially began on January 1, with March 31 set as the deadline for document submission.