A group of senior women footballers has threatened to quit the national team if Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) insists on keeping recently reappointed Peter Butler as head coach.

"We won't train under Peter Butler in the camp until the BFF president takes necessary steps to resolve the issue," read a three-page statement distributed to the media before Sabina Khatun, Sanjida Akhter, and other senior players addressed reporters at the BFF House on Thursday.

The players' grievances date back to last year's SAFF Women's Championship title defence in Nepal, where tensions with Butler first surfaced. According to the statement, the English coach "questioned the players' personal lives, misbehaved with them, and divided the team."

"As the BFF did not renew our contracts after October, they have no legal grounds to take action against us. Yet, if they consider punishing us and remain adamant about keeping Butler, we will resign together," the letter concluded.

Speaking to the media, the players expressed their frustration over what they see as neglect from BFF.

"We have nothing to prove anymore. This is about self-respect. At the end of the day, we play for the nation, but it is impossible to endure the criticism we are facing," said captain Sabina, breaking down in tears.

Defender Masura Parveen echoed her sentiments, questioning BFF's decision-making process. "We raised our concerns about this coach repeatedly, but the BFF took no action. When they signed a two-year contract with him, did they even think to consult us?"

Winger Sanjida Akter highlighted the emotional toll. "If you don't feel at peace in your own home, can you focus on work? It's the same for us. Without mental peace, how can we give hundred percent on the pitch?"

Of the 30-member squad, 18 players have boycotted the ongoing training camp, refusing to work under Butler, since Tuesday. While they have continued training under assistant coach Mahbubur Rahman Litu since January 15, they also skipped Wednesday's gym session in protest.

In response to the crisis, BFF president Tabith Awal informed The Daily Star via text message, "Yes, I received a letter from the players yesterday [Wednesday], and we are working towards a mutual resolution."

Meanwhile, BFF women's wing chairman Mahfuza Akhter Kiran took a neutral stance. "The girls have the right to speak, but I will not comment as the BFF president is handling the matter."