Salahuddin 'officially' unaware of Swapna, Choton departures

Bangladesh Football Federation president Kazi Salahuddin's response to the retirement of women's football team striker Sirat Jahan Swapna and head coach Golam Rabbani Choton pulling himself out of the role has been a passive one. 

When Salahuddin was asked about the two major departures, the president replied that he had not received anything official from the concerned parties and only came to know about the issues through the media.

"I have only heard about them (Golam Rabbani Choton and Sirat Jahan Swapna) from the media. I have not received any official letter or heard anything officially. I will talk to them over the issue and inform you," he told The Daily Star. 

Swapna was the first one to announce her departure through her social media account and Choton followed suit soon after and confirmed to The Daily Star that he wanted to take a break from his current role, while also hinting at a potential return to club football.

"I have been working continuously for women's football for the past seven-eight years. I am tired. I want to take a break and give more time to my family," the successful coach told The Daily Star.

If Swapna sticks to her decision, she would become the third footballer from the team that lifted the SAFF title to quit the game after Anuching Mogini and Sajeda Khatun.

It is believed that Swapna, who is now 22, decided out of frustration over not being able to play matches. The senior team have not played a single game since winning the SAFF title.

The BFF had said it would arrange international friendlies against Cambodia and Singapore but failed to stay true to its words.

It has been learnt that Swapna had offers to play in the Indian Super League but could not accept that due to the proposed Bangladesh Women's Super League, the details of which are yet to be ironed out.

Another pressing issue was the proposed salary buff for the women footballers that Salahuddin had promised but as is the case with most of what he pledges, it is yet to materialise. 

When asked about what happened to the proposed salary raise for the women's footballers, the BFF boss said, "There is progress in that regard. I will let you know within a few days."