Since the introduction of professional football in the country in 2007, Sheikh Russell Sports Club has participated in every event. In 2012-13 season they became Bangladesh Premier League champions. The Blues also won the treble that season.
On the other hand, Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club started its journey in the third season of Bangladesh Premier League by changing the name of Dhanmondi Club. The club has won the Premier League three times (2011-12, 2013-14 and 2014-15) including the inaugural season. The participation of these two clubs, which are in a good position in the country’s football, in the Bangladesh Premier League has become uncertain.
For more than a century both clubs have been sponsored by a corporate body. The two clubs are in trouble as the organization moved away after the change of political pot. Among them, Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club was also vandalized on August 5 after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. The club has no signboard.
Before Sheikh Jamal’s name was associated with the Dhanmondi club, those who were running the club were neglected these few years. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club may revert back to their old name Dhanmondi Club. But who will come forward to form a football team in this difficult time? In this uncertainty, the name of the team is going to be withdrawn from the Premier League.
However, nothing has been officially announced from the club yet. They didn’t tell anything even to Buffet. The players who signed with the club are now in trouble.
Anwarul Karim Helal was the manager from the time Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club joined the Premier League. He was not associated with the team for several seasons. When asked what the future of the club is now, this football organizer said, “I have not been involved with anything in the club for the last two seasons. I heard that those who have patronized so far have not done so this time. Now it is not possible for anyone to catch up in this short period of time. There are only four days left for the football team to change. So I can’t say exactly what the fate of the club is.
The same is the case with the Sheikh Russell Sports Club. Even though the old organizers are trying to do something, it is not possible because the people who managed the club in the past have left.
Saleh Zaman Salim, one of the directors of the club, said, “I will hold a meeting on Saturday.” Then I will inform Bafuffe of our decision.
When asked what decision could be made, Saleh Zaman Salim said, “You can understand what decision can be made.” Forming a football team is not just a matter of two or four million rupees. However, I cannot say anything specific before the decision is taken at the meeting on Saturday.
About 50 footballers will be in trouble if Sheikh Russell and Sheikh Jamal do not play. As the rest of the clubs have packed their houses, there is less opportunity for the footballers of Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Russell to go to any other club and play. Even if two people get a chance, they may face a big financial loss.
Once a player has signed the form provided by Buff on behalf of Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Russell, they will need a no-objection letter to play for another club. Party change will end on August 19. FIFA appealed to FIFA to extend the transfer window considering the overall situation. FIFA did not agree. The organization has informed that the transfer must be completed within the stipulated time.
Buff president Kazi Md. about the rumors of not playing the two clubs. Salahuddin said, “I don’t have any such information. With the clubs in mind, we appealed to FIFA for an extension. They did not allow extension of time. There is no room to deviate from FIFA’s guidelines. If the team is less, we have to start the game with less team.
