FIFA okays 17 crore BFF fund

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) finally got the nod to implement its football development plan under the FIFA Forward programme as the game's governing body approved the BFF's USD 21,20,000 [over 17 crore taka] proposal for two years on Tuesday.

"Although we have not received the official letter, I have heard that the FIFA Development Committee approved the development proposal we submitted to them last year. Bangladesh are the first country to get approval as the Development Committee considered Bangladesh's proposal ahead of proposals from two other countries," said BFF president Kazi Salahuddin yesterday.

BFF general secretary Abu Nayeem Shohag informed that under the FIFA Forward programme, they have included three youth development plans -- U-12, U-14, U-19 --- three women's development plans -- U-12, U-14 and U-19 -- and U-18 National Championship, grassroots age-group festival for U-12, U-14, U-16 and U-18, National School Championship, the Pioneer Football League, National Football League and youth tournaments of the Bangladesh Premier League and Bangladesh Championship League.

"Under the FIFA Forward programme, Bangladesh are supposed to get 7.5 lakh dollars each year and we have submitted 21.20 lakh dollars for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018. We will still get another 1.3 lakh dollars and will soon submit another proposal for infrastructure development which will include the refurbishment of the BFF House's third and fourth floor, internal electrical sub-station, and purchase of mini bus and ambulance," said Shohag.

The game's governing body had given a presentation on their annual development plan before a three-member FIFA delegation in November last year.