BSL closer to reality

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has decided to hold franchise-based Bangladesh Super League (BSL), styled after the Indian Super League, in the 2016-17 season with the help of three parties -- UK Soccer League, Celebrity Management Group of India and Saif Power Tec Ltd.

The announcement was made yesterday after a meeting among the BFF high-ups and representatives of CMG and Saif Power Tech at the Gulshan residence of BFF president Kazi Salahuddin.

“It was a long desire and today [Tuesday] we have reached a decision to hold the Bangladesh Super League with the help of three parties from the 2016-17 season. We will let you know about the details within the next 30 days,” said Salahuddin after the meeting.

CMG, a Kolkata-based event management company, had initially proposed the BFF to hold the franchise-based league before UK Soccer League came up with its own proposal.        

“The decision to hold the BSL has been finalised and I think we can hold it successfully,” said Salahuddin, adding that the marketing and promotional aspects of the league will be launched by January next year.

The BFF boss also informed that a total of Tk 100 crore would be needed to stage the tournament.

Replying to a query, Salahuddin said: “It is too early to say names of franchises, which depends on which districts and divisions are applying for the league. However, we are thinking of holding the league in four cities -- Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet and Rajshahi.”

Saif Power Tec has recently sponsored the Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup in Chittagong. 

“We will be involved in organising the tournament and we may have a franchise from Chittagong,” said Tarafder Ruhul Amin, the managing director of the company, and also the football committee chairman of Chittagong Abahani club.