BFF to wait for Eleta’s clearance

With Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka already in Qatar to start preparing for the upcoming SAFF Championship in Male, Bangladesh national team are also expected to start their preparation from October 21 just after the completion of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

BPL holders Bashundhara Kings will play their remaining three league matches against Saif SC, Sheikh Russel KC and Abahani on September 14, 17 and 20 respectively and incidentally, these four clubs feature most of the national players.

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has already submitted the initial 34-member preliminary squad, including Nigerian-born footballer Eleta Kingsley, who is yet to receive clearance from FIFA to represent Bangladesh.

Bangladesh coach Jamie Day, however, did not consider two expatriate players -- Rahbar Wahed Khan and Tahmid Islam -- who took part in the Three Nations Cup in Kyrgyzstan.  

Though Day was hesitant to call Eleta in the preparation camp without approval from FIFA, BFF general secretary Abu Nayeem Shohag made it clear that they would wait for FIFA's clearance till the last moment before the managers' meeting of SAFF Championship.

"We have contacted FIFA several times regarding Eleta's clearance to play for Bangladesh in the SAFF championship," Shohag said. 

"We understand that FIFA will send the matter to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and we may have a virtual meeting with FIFA regarding Eleta Kingsley's clearance."

The British coach is apparently not happy with the delay in preparation.

"How can three other teams be in Qatar preparing but we have nothing arranged," Day said expressing his frustration.

As the Kings have already clinched the domestic league, Day believes that Kings don't need to field a strong side in the remaining games. And that could see the club's national footballers available for preparation for the SAFF Championship a bit early.