Kings in deeper FIFA trouble

Bashundhara Kings and Abahani are racing against time to become eligible for the upcoming Bangladesh Football League (BFL). With the season set to begin in three weeks, both clubs remain under FIFA transfer bans, creating uncertainty over their participation in the top-tier competition, which begins on August 25.

Club licensing has become the immediate second hurdle. Both clubs must submit the required documents to the governing body by August 4, but their overdue clearance documents remain pending due to unresolved FIFA cases.

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Abahani are closer to resolving the issue than Kings. Of their three cases, one has already been settled, a second is expected to be cleared within days, while the third is likely to be resolved within a week.

For Abahani, participation in the BFL is a matter of prestige. “Lifting the bans are our first priority, then we will think of forming our squad,” club official Rupu told The Daily Star yesterday, adding that the club could have built a stronger team if funds had not been used to clear dues owed to foreign players who lodged complaints with FIFA.

Kings face a bigger crisis, with all 11 of their active FIFA cases still unresolved. A club official said management had communicated with all 11 complainants and that they had agreed to receive their dues in instalments instead of a one-time payment.

The delay has already affected Kings’ squad planning. Several key players from last season -- including Saad Uddin, Sohel Rana Jr, Faisal Ahmed Fahim, Shahriar Emon and Rimon Hossain -- joined Mohammedan Sporting Club before receiving calls from Kings.

Kings players remain hopeful but uncertain. “Nothing can be said until the matter regarding the FIFA bans is settled down,” said Sohel Rana, who has played for Kings for the last four seasons.

Meanwhile, heavyweights Mohammedan have strengthened their squad by retaining 18 players from last season and signing Kings’ Saad Uddin, Sohel Rana Jr, Faisal Ahmed Fahim, Shahriar Emon and Rimon Hossain.

Like Mohammedan, the remaining BFL teams have already begun shaping their squads. Fortis FC and Bangladesh Police FC have started pre-season preparations ahead of their AFC Challenge League campaigns, while Brothers Union, Rahmatganj MFS and PWD Sports Club, along with newcomers City Club and Chittagong City FC, are nearing completion of their squad rebuilding.

The BFL calendar leaves little room for delays. The league is scheduled to begin on August 25, just three days before the Federation Cup starts on August 28, increasing pressure on Kings and Abahani to resolve their FIFA issues and secure their places in the top flight.