Booters frustrated with season closure

Terming Bangladesh Football Federation's (BFF) decision to abandon the rest of the 2019-20 season as poor and an outcome of bad judgement, the national footballers have claimed to be in the dark regarding their contract renewals with clubs. The clubs have, however, demanded to retain the services of the same players in the new season.

"Football league is our lone bread and butter and now we won't be able to earn any money. I don't know what will happen in future regarding our unpaid salaries. But I will take a decision after watching the activities of senior footballers," said national winger Rakib Hossain, who also mentioned that the abandonment of Bangladesh Premier League will see most players suffer financially.

"I think the federation just followed rules and demands of the clubs, not seeing the whole picture. This decision will put many players in trouble. As far as I know, most clubs except for a few big one have not even paid 20 per cent of contract money to the players. The clubs should clear the due payments to the players, who don't even want to seek help due to social status," said Saif SC and national team defender Rahmat Mia, who also wanted to wait for the actions of the senior players.

"Following the closure of the season, it is very tough for the players to keep their fitness and the players faced much trouble both fitness-wise and financially. To be honest, we invested all money in projects or in treating family's sick members when we got the payment from the clubs. So, if the clubs want money back, it will be an injustice," said Bashundhara Kings winger and national team forward Mahbubur Rahman Sufil, adding that the players of small clubs will face more difficulties as they have hardly been paid by the clubs.

Sheikh Russel KC's national team goalkeeper Ashraful Islam Rana believes the federation and clubs could have waited for another month before abandoning the season as football is slowly starting across Europe.

"Abandonment of season is a self-destructive decision that has affected the country's football and footballers," Rana said. "We know both the players and clubs have been harmed due to the coronavirus. If the clubs are in a disadvantageous position, the players won't get the advantage in future. So, we want a mutual solution so that both parties can survive."

"It is not right that the clubs have cleared 80 to 90 per cent payment to the players. Personally I can accept some damage but players at small clubs hardly get decent amount of money and they will be affected most," said Bashundhara Kings and national team defender Tapu Barman, who also mentioned that the players will sit together to decide about their current contracts with the clubs.

As per the FIFA rules, if the season is declared over, the players' contract will also expire and they will be free to choose new destinations. And FIFA, in its special guidelines following COVID-19 situation, has emphasised on mutual negotiation between the clubs and the players to reach a decision regarding the contracts.

"The BFF executive committee meeting did not take any decision regarding the players' contracts but the principles we will follow is that BFF will take feedback from the players and the club officials. Then we will figure out a mutual point so that none of the players and clubs face damage instead they remain protected. We want a win-win situation for both clubs and players and we will start asking players and clubs for feedback after the Eid-ul-Fitr vacation," said BFF general secretary Abu Nayeem Shohag.