BFF wary of Kabul

Although the venues for the 2022 World Cup for Asia and Asian Cup Qualifiers have yet to be finalised, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is apparently concerned with the possibility of playing in Ka-bul, the capital city of war-ravaged Afghanistan. Afghanistan have been pitted against Bangladesh, In-dia, Qatar and Oman in Group E.

Bangladesh will play their first away match against Afghanistan on September 10 before hosting Qatar on October 10 in Dhaka.

“The deadline to inform FIFA about the home venue is July 31 and we are waiting to see which city Af-ghanistan will choose as their home venue. If it is Kabul, then we will write to FIFA for a neutral venue due to security concerns,” said BFF general secretary Abu Nayeem Shohag after returning from Kuala Lumpur, where he attended the 40-team draw ceremony for the qualifiers in Malaysia.

“However, we have to accept whatever decision FIFA make regarding the venue,” continued Shohag.

It could be mentioned here though that Afghanistan had chosen Tehran, the capital of Iran, as their home venue for the 2018 Russia World Cup Qualifiers while their home matches for the Asian Cup Qualifiers were held in Tajikistan.

Asked about the team’s preparations ahead of the first match, Shohag informed that they would de-cide the best course of action in that regard within the next few days.

“Let’s see what the coaching staff suggests. Besides, we have to keep in mind that Abahani also have two matches in the AFC Cup on August 21 and 28. However, it is certain that there will be a preparation camp for the national booters,” said Shohag.