The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has agreed on principle to appoint Belgian Tom Saintfiet as national team's coach and Australian Paul Smalley as technical director of football after BFF president Kazi Salahuddin held a fruitful meeting with them at his residence yesterday.

“We have agreed on principle to rope in both Tom Saintfiet and Paul Smalley. Saintfiet will initially work with the national team for the two Asian Cup qualifying play-offs against Bhutan. He will return in the latter part of July. In the meantime, we will finalise the terms and conditions of his contract,” said BFF general secretary Abu Nayeem Shohag, adding that Saiful Bari Titu will act as Saintfiet's deputy while the Belgian has also asked for two goalkeeping coaches and one fitness trainer.

Shohag also informed that the president has held initial talks with Smalley for the post of technical director, but further discussion will be held within a couple of days before the president will place the matter before the executive committee for final approval.