Roy ‘pulls out’ of BFF polls
Day-long whispers about Badal Roy's withdrawal from the president candidature of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF)'s upcoming elections became reality as his wife Madhuri Roy turned up at the BFF headquarters with a withdrawal letter at around 6:00pm, an hour after the deadline.
This could prove to be another big turning point in the much-hyped BFF polls after potential president candidate Tarafder Ruhul Amin, also chairman of Saif SC and vice-president of Chattogram Abahani, pulled out of the race due to 'alleged pressure from some quarters' even though he had claimed his business commitments to be the reason for his withdrawal.
Roy, who had earlier challenged to not leave incumbent president Kazi Salahuddin uncontested, was allegedly put under pressure by some quarters. The former national footballer was believed to be in hesitation regarding the decision before his wife tendered the withdrawal letter, citing Roy's illness as the reason.
"Badal has been sick for a long time. He wanted to do something for football but his health is not supporting him. His physical condition has been deteriorating, so we, the family members, decided to withdraw his nomination," said Madhuri, who denied facing any pressure from any quarters.
"As per law, 5:00pm today was the deadline for withdrawal of nomination. Any withdrawal after the deadline won't be counted and his name will come on the ballot paper," said BFF general secretary Abu Nayeem Shohag in the absence of the three-member election commission at the BFF House. Shohag later added that the commission will take a decision in this regard.
If the withdrawal of Roy is accepted, it is going to be two-horse race between Kazi Salahuddin and Shafiqul Islam Manik for the president's post.
Meanwhile, two member candidates withdrew from the elections, leaving 34 candidates contesting 15 posts.
Comments