FIFA, AFC delegates to livestream BFF polls

Delegates from FIFA and AFC will not physically attend the upcoming Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) polls, said general secretary Abu Nayeem Shohag yesterday.

"On Friday, AFC let us know that since there is a travel ban, it won't be possible for them to send observers to the April 20 BFF polls. FIFA also informed the same over phone," Shohag said yesterday.

However, he informed that FIFA and AFC would stream the polls online for officials to observe and that the elections would go on as scheduled on April 20.

"A FIFA official asked me whether it was possible to watch the BFF congress live through the internet and I ensured them we would present live coverage. We will also include AFC in this process," said Shohag.

Although two incumbent vice-presidents have urged the game's governing body to defer the polls due to the coronavirus outbreak, Shohag added that they have no intention to defer the polls.

"We asked FIFA whether the polls could be deferred and they said it is too early to comment. They said Maldives held its congress today [on March 20]. Bangladesh and Maldives are neighbouring countries, so why should you decide on a deferral at this moment?"