AFC fines BFF US$20,000

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has been fined 20,000 US dollars for withdrawing the national team from the inaugural Solidarity Cup, which is set to get underway today in Malaysia.

The BFF has also been instructed to settle the fine within 30 days from the date of the decision, which was taken on October 28 at the AFC Disciplinary Committee, even though the decision was made public at the official website of the Asian game's governing body yesterday.

“BFF is ordered to pay a fine of USD20,000 for violating Article 6.3.2 of the AFC Solidarity Cup 2016 Regulations,” the website stated. “BFF is informed that a repeat violation of this provision will be met with more severe punishment.”

The AFC Solidarity Cup is being participated by seven nations, who failed to qualify for the final leg of the Asian Cup Qualifiers. Bangladesh had sent entry for the tournament before playing against Bhutan in Play-Off Qualifiers, but later BFF president Kazi Salahuddin decided not to send the team citing the ongoing professional league in which the players are engaged with their respective clubs.