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BFF president Tabith Awal
For several days now, a photograph has been circulating on social media showing national team midfielder Sheikh Morsalin playing in a local match in Tangail. Morsalin is not alone — many other top-tier footballers are reportedly also playing these unofficial "khep" matches on poor-quality grounds outside Dhaka.
The matter has triggered widespread debate in football circles. Many argue that professional league and national team footballers playing in such unregulated, muddy-field conditions is entirely inappropriate, calling it a clear breach of professional league contracts. They also point to the heightened risk of injury, which could seriously jeopardise a player's professional career. Others, however, see it differently, noting that many footballers do not receive regular payments from their professional clubs, leaving them little choice but to play these informal matches out of financial necessity.
Beyond financial pressure, such off-contract appearances are also sometimes driven by social or political requests and pressure. National team defender Rahmat Mia had openly admitted to this some time ago.
Playing in khep matches outside national team and club contracts runs counter to the Bangladesh Football Federation's (BFF) disciplinary code. Even as videos and photos of players competing on muddy pitches with substandard balls continue to circulate on Facebook, the federation has largely remained silent on the issue.
BFF president Tabith Awal was asked about the matter towards the end of a press conference held at the BFF building this afternoon. Responding to reporters' questions, he initially said, "If such matters come to our attention, we will look into them seriously. If the allegations are found to be true, we will take the necessary action."
However, Tabith made clear that despite the criticism within football circles over players competing on muddy grounds with substandard balls, the BFF itself would not launch any investigation on its own initiative. "No one has submitted any complaint to us alleging that national team or club players are playing elsewhere. I don't want to make any advance comment on this matter. We want to follow the proper process," he said.
"As long as no complaint comes in, we will not go looking for one ourselves. But I believe every player understands his position and his career," Tabith Awal, BFF president, said.
He further added, "As long as no complaint comes in, we will not go looking for one ourselves. Some players have broken the rules, and some have failed to join national team camps despite being called up. But we will not go hunting to declare anyone guilty."
When reminded that such photos are currently circulating on social media, Tabith said, "I hope these photos or information will reach us. But we will not go searching for anyone ourselves."
