The New Nation - Internet Edition

After 1-6 loss toTajikistan in the World Cup Football 2010 qualifiers, coach Naimuddin has been relieved of his job because the country will remain for several months without any soccer tournament at home and abroad. In this backdrop a number of footballers have been thinking of departing from the world's popular sport to switch over to different professions. Anyone who reads the newspaper and loves this game will agree that the officials of Bangladesh Football Federation are totally responsible for soccer crisis. As there is no elected government in the country at present to scan the activities of the federation in question, it implies upon the interim government to ask for explanation from them and to take action accordingly.

If we look at India, we shall see a number of soccer tournaments in that country throughout the year despite poor performance in the international soccer. The other day, India too bowed out of the World Cup qualifiers losing to Lebanon 3-6 but football has not ceased. There are seven competitive football tournaments in India. These are National Football League, Federation Cup Football, Durand Cup, DCM Football, Rovers Cup, IFA Shield and Airlines Gold Cup Football. To the contrary, Bangladesh has only two-National Football League and Federation Cup. Will the government be active to save football?

Asma Akhter

Rajshahi