The National Sports Council (NSC) is preparing to assign three venues for football following a request from the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) to develop Birshreshtha Shaheed Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur, Sylhet Stadium, and Chittagong Stadium using FIFA funds.
While the BFF initially sought a 20-year allocation in line with FIFA guidelines, the NSC is planning to allocate all three stadiums for a duration of 22 years to accommodate processing time.
Aminul Ahesan, the NSC director of sports, confirmed that the agreement has been finalized after a detailed review of the draft agreement by both parties. He mentioned that they anticipate signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the BFF within the current month.
Regarding the prior allocation of eight stadiums to the BFF, Aminul explained that discussions took place during the tenure of sports advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan under the interim government. However, the final decision was postponed due to objections from Chittagong and Gazipur.
Aminul disclosed that the BFF submitted a request for the aforementioned three stadiums in mid-January this year. The process has commenced, and they are nearing the agreement signing phase with the board.
Despite previously granting temporary access to various stadiums for hosting professional football leagues, national championships, or international tournaments, the NSC is now considering a long-term allocation of three stadiums for over 20 years. This extended commitment is essential for BFF to enhance the stadiums using FIFA/AFC funds.
Additionally, Birshreshtha Shaheed Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur, which was previously allocated for 20 years for the installation of FIFA Forward-funded artificial turf, will have its contract extended by an additional two years.
