Clubs divided over BPL’s single venue proposal

Country's professional football clubs are apparently divided over the proposal of playing the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) at a single venue following the outbreak of coronavirus ahead of a proposed meeting of the professional football league committee today.

Bangladesh Football Federation president Kazi Salahuddin on Wednesday informed media that they were planning to hold the BPL at a single venue in Dhaka due to coronavirus crisis. The health ministry advised people to avoid mass gathering after three persons were tested positive for the virus and hundreds put in quarantine.

Before discussing the matter at today's meeting, most of the clubs presented their stances, with some clubs in favour of hosting the BPL fixtures at a single venue while some others opposed to the idea.

"We won't accept the proposal to play at the Bangabandhu National Stadium, which is also home venue to seven other teams; rather we can accept the proposal of playing the league at a natural venue such as the Army Stadium. The BFF can also think of a break, according to current schedule, due to the postponed World Cup Qualifying fixtures," Bashundhara Kings president Imrul Hasan said, adding that playing in Dhaka is as much a risk as is playing at district venues.

Six-time champions Abahani's manager Satyajit Das Rupu said, "We want the continuation of the league and we don't have any problem of playing at a single venue. It is not possible to travel to districts to play the league if the situation gets worse. We can consider steps taken by other sports organisations such as postponing tournaments."

Mohammedan director Sarwar Hossain said, "The government hasn't banned traveling so far and the situation has not deteriorated. Then why will we play at a single venue? What about our investment in preparing the home venue? However, we will first want to hear from BFF, then we will give our opinion."

"I'm really concerned about the health of the players and officials because I'm doubtful over the hygiene of the hotels at district level. No one can ensure that hotels will provide with fresh towels, bed sheets and other things. So I think it is better to hold the league at a single venue for the time being," said Saif SC managing director Nasiruddin Chowdhury, who proposed holding the Independence Cup in the meantime by postponing the league.

Sheikh Jamal manager Anwarul Karim Helal said: "You see the whole world has been affected with coronavirus and major sports events are being suspended or played behind close doors. I'm personally in favour of playing at a single venue in Dhaka and BFF should do it."

Sheikh Russel's sports director Saleh Jaman Selim said, "If the fixtures of the league are rescheduled to Dhaka, the league has to be completed in Dhaka.  Otherwise, we won't accept the proposal. We have another proposal of completing all the away matches of the clubs, who have home venues outside Dhaka and then those club will play their home matches when the situation improves."

Bangladesh Police FC manager Sheikh Maruf Hasan said, "In the greater interest of football, we will accept any decision that comes from the meeting."

The 12th edition of the league is being held in seven separate venues -- Dhaka, Nilphamari, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Chattogram, Cumilla and Gopalganj.