Kings’ transfer bans lifted

Bangladesh Football League (BFL) champions Bashundhara Kings have finally been cleared of all FIFA-imposed bans.

The last four of the 14 bans imposed over claims regarding the remuneration of foreign coaches and players were lifted on Friday night.

There are no longer any obstacles for the title-winning team regarding club licensing and participation in the upcoming domestic season.

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) had extended the club licensing deadline by another four days because four bans remained in effect as of Friday evening.

FIFA’s official website that Bashundhara Kings’ name no longer appeared on that list.

This means all bans imposed on player registration for the six-time champions have now been lifted.

FIFA reached this decision only after the process of settling outstanding dues with foreign coaches and players was completed.

Local footballers, who had been facing uncertainty for a long time, can now prepare for the new season.

Bashundhara Kings have maintained their position at the pinnacle of Bangladeshi football over the past few seasons.

The club’s image suffered due to repeated FIFA bans stemming from financial liabilities and issues regarding the remuneration of foreign players.

Bashundhara Kings moved quickly in the transfer market, signing experienced Nepal international Rohit Chand, a versatile 34 year old capable of playing as a central midfielder or centre back.

The club also completed the signing of Nepalese winger Manish Dangi on the same day, with both players set to occupy local quota slots under Bangladeshi football regulations.

Under the separate SAFF quota, the Kings have already finalised deals for two additional Nepalese footballers.

Both Bashundhara Kings and Dhaka Abahani were previously barred from registering new players due to FIFA sanctions. Abahani has already addressed their outstanding cases and has made several new signings, including four foreign players, among them Nigerian Michael Babatunde.

Fakirerpool Young Men’s Club had two bans but saw one lifted on Friday, leaving them with one outstanding case.

Stakeholders believe that the BFF’s decision to extend the timeframe and FIFA’s swift action will help restore stability to the country’s football.