The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Former star footballers Tuesday demanded postponement of election to the District Football Associations (DFAs), as the process is not suitable for the country at present.

They also raised question about the formation of DFAs leaving out government officials as per the FIFA guideline.

The celebrated booters of yesteryears also appealed to the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) to introduce an appropriate system for the formation of DFAs in consultation with local organisers, former footballers and other authorities concerned.

Addressing a press conference at the National Sports Council (NSC) conference room, they said the FIFA formula for constituting the DFAs excluding government officials is an "absurd proposition" for the time being.

"We're not against the FIFA guidelines. But it will be quite impossible to run football properly on the ground without government involvement in the DFAs," said Sheikh Mohammad Aslam, a football legend in the country.

He added: "BFF should have discussed the matter with us and also with the district organisers before taking the decision (about formation of DFAs)."

Aslam explained that football is losing its past glory for lack of financial support, adequate ground facilities and proper patronization. The situation will further worsen if football is deprived of government support, he said.

"If BFF would be able to project the real picture of Bangladesh football to FIFA, we are sure FIFA will be convinced about our proposal," he added.

Earlier, FIFA imposed certain restrictions on DFA elections, including one that no government officials will be eligible to participate in the DFA elections.

Golam Sarwar Tipu, Badal Roy, Abdus Salam Murshedi, Shafiqul Islam Manik, Kaiser Hamid, Satyajit Das Rupu and Syed Rumman Wali Bin Sabbir were, among others, present at the press conference.