The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) on Monday signed an agreement with mobile phone operator CITYCELL for the next three years to run the football tournaments, including three main events.

Under the agreement, CITYCELL will provide Tk 16.5 crore to run the football tournaments.

The cell phone operator will become the title sponsor of upcoming Federation Cup Football, B. League and School Football Tournaments. Besides, they will remain co-sponsors of the other football events organized by BFF.

Signing the accord at the BFF Bhaban in the afternoon BFF president Kazi Salahudin said they are grateful to CITYCELL for sponsoring the tournaments. He hoped they would extend further assistance in future.

Describing the agreement as historical he said, "It is a great opportunity for us to develop football after getting such a big amount." He hoped that if they are able to bring popularity in football, CITYCELL might extend the contract.

Replying to a question, Salahuddin said CITYCELL would provide the sponsor money as and when BFF requires for organizing the tournaments. However, the exact amount allocated for the various tournaments would be announced later, he said.

Mychael Seymour, chief executive officer of CITYCELL expressed satisfaction and felt honoured in joining hands with the BFF to bring back life to football in this country.

"Bangladesh has always loved football. The game has been played in this country for over a century and people from all walks of life enjoy football's vitality and excitement throughout the year," he added.

Mychael said they foresee that football will not only revive but take on challenges outside the country in near future.

BFF senior vice president Abdus Salam Murshedi, vice presidents Manjoor Hossain Malu, Swakat Ali Khan Jahangir, Kazi Nabil Ahmed, Badal Roy and CITYCELL executives Dr. Anand Rajasingham, Sania Mahmood were present on the occasion