The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) yesterday announced a 22-member preliminary squad for the national team's World Cup and Asia Cup Qualifier against Jordan on March 24, with the exclusion of seven players who have been served show-cause notices on disciplinary grounds.

The seven players -- Mamunul Islam, Yeasin Khan, Shahidul Alam Sohel, Sohel Rana, Atiqur Rahman Meshu, Yeamin Ahmed Chowdhury and Zahid Hossain -- have been asked to appear before a three-member board to defend themselves following fact-finding committee's report on the team's failure in SAFF Cup and Bangabandhu Gold Cup.

Those alleged players, however, can return to squad if they satisfy the National Teams Committee with their explanations.

Meanwhile, five other players -- Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, Alamgir Kabir Rana, Zahid Hasan Emily, Hemanta Vincent Biswas and Mithun Chowdhury – all of whom were part of the squad for the Bangabandhu Gold Cup, have not been considered for this final qualifier.

However, 10 players including have staged comebacks, with midfielder Fazle Rabbi and defender Shakil Ahmed added as fresh faces.   

“It is not the final preliminary squad. If the coach [Ganzalo Sanchez Moreno] wants anyone else, the size of the squad will be expanded,” said manager Satyajit Das Rupu.

Out of the 22 players, 14 were the part of the Bangladesh Olympic team which played in the South Asian Games. The training camp will get underway from Sunday.

SQUAD

Rasel Mahmud Liton, Mazharul Islam Himel, Ashraful Islam Rana, Raihan Hasan, Tapu Barman, Nasirul Islam, Rezaul, Kesto Kumar Bose, Wali Faisal, Shakil Ahmed, Emon Mahmud, Monaem Khan Raju, Jamal Bhuiyan, Shahedul Islam Shahed, Fazlay Rabbi, Atiqur Rahman Fahad, Masuk Miah Jony, Rubel Mia, Nabib Newaj Jibon, Shakhawat Hossain Rony, Jewel Rana and Aminur Rahman Sajib.