Maruful's ban lifted

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) yesterday lifted the suspension on Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club coach Maruful Haque ahead of the club's December 27 friendly against Busan I'Park.

The decision to lift the suspension came yesterday after the 45-year-old coach applied for waiver of the two remaining months of his six-month suspension.

“He (Maruful) applied to us three days ago seeking apology for his action. He felt he should, keeping his career and achievements in light, get a waiver on suspension,” informed BFF general secretary Abu Nayeem Shohag yesterday. 

Maruful expressed his relief at the decision saying he would work harder and with more dedication towards coaching from now on.

The former Sheikh Russel coach was initially handed a one-year suspension on August 24, 2014 --  later reduced to six months on appeal -- for asking the entire professional football league committee to step down in protest of Premier League scheduling in late February this year.

The suspension only applied to football matches or tournaments under the jurisdiction of BFF. While serving the suspension, Maruful successfully guided Sheikh Jamal DC to the title of the King's Cup in Bhutan, held from November 15 to December 2.