BFF be wise
Sports Reporter
The executive committee of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) will give its verdict today on whether giants Abahani Krira Chakra win the last automatic qualification spot for the final phase of the 4th National Football League (NFL). The popular Dhanmondi outfit, who never missed an entry into the final round of the fast growing popular domestic event, faces an unlikely challenger from enfant terrible Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra after a below-par performance in last season. Although the mood is upbeat in the Sky Blues' tent ahead of the crucial meeting with history and crowd appeal in their favour, the BFF however stands in front of a double-edged sword after a passionate plea from Sheikh Russell for justice. If Abahani is a popular choice to add glamour to the National League, scheduled to start from June 21, Sheikh Russell equally deserve their place in the competition after their fairy-tale run in the Premier League, where they finished runners-up behind Brothers Union. It was an achievement that no debutant had ever done before. More importantly it was their free flowing brand of football that won the hearts and minds of the fans. Although the NFL organising committee had earlier dismissed the possibility of increasing the quota for Dhaka clubs from four to five, the BFF however is not ruling out adding an extra team for a change. "Rules are made to be broken and if it is bent for a noble cause than nothing like it. I think both teams deserve to be included for a more appealing National League," quipped a seasoned observer. Meanwhile, so far 52 teams have entered the qualifying round. The BFF will also scrutinise the list because there are entries from districts where no league was held in 2003 or 2004. The BFF has already barred teams that have not taken part in any League in 2003-2004. Another important issue the BFF must address is holding of an annual general meeting (AGM). The AGM is required to elect a new vice-president following the death Khairul Anwar Pearu. The BFF will also discuss preparations for next year's SAFF Championships in Pakistan. Bangladesh won the regional title when it was staged in Dhaka in 2003.The probe committee report of Bangladesh team's debacle in the Islamabad SAF Games, where they crashed out at the group stages, will also be presented in the meting.
| 
