BFF unveils WFL trophy ahead of league’s final phase

Bangla Press Desk: The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has unveiled the trophy of the ongoing Women’s Football League (WFL) as the competition enters its final phase following a 13-day break.

The women’s league, which was rescheduled earlier to accommodate the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship in Nepal, will resume on Tuesday with five matches of the 10th round. The league is now scheduled to conclude on 13 February.

Four days before the league’s conclusion, BFF organised a captains’ meeting and the official trophy unveiling ceremony. In a departure from tradition, the event was held at a park in Gulshan, Dhaka, instead of the BFF House premises. Captains from all 11 participating clubs attended the ceremony, wearing their respective club jerseys, adding a fresh visual appeal to the event.

Typically, trophy unveiling ceremonies take place before the start of a tournament. However, in the case of the WFL, the trophy was unveiled at a much later stage, drawing mixed reactions from players.

Farashganj SC captain Maria Manda shared her thoughts on the occasion. “Honestly, it feels very nice that the trophy unveiling was organised in such a beautiful environment,” she said.

However, she also questioned the timing of the ceremony. “When I first heard that we were called for the trophy unveiling, it felt a bit strange. Usually, trophies are unveiled before the league starts, but this one is happening in the middle of the competition.”

After nine rounds, Rajshahi Stars FC sit at the top of the points table. Speaking about the delayed trophy unveiling, Rajshahi captain Sheuli Azim said it did not matter much to her team.

“It doesn’t really matter to us. It’s the authority’s decision. The football federation arranged it according to their convenience,” she said.

On the title race, Sheuli acknowledged the uncertainty of football. “Football is unpredictable, so we can’t say anything for sure right now. Everyone wants to win the trophy, and we are no different. This is the first time Nabil Group Rajshahi Stars FC have formed a team, so we are hopeful. Let’s see what happens.”

The championship race will likely be decided in the final round, where Rajshahi face Bangladesh Army. A defeat against Army could leave Rajshahi and Farashganj level on points, which would force a playoff to determine the champion under league bylaws. Rajshahi however, will clinch the title with at least a draw against Army—provided they win their upcoming match against Suddopuskorini Jubo SC on Tuesday.

There are additional uncertainties surrounding the final round, as Bangladesh’s national election is scheduled for 12 February. Any disruption could lead to the postponement of matches. BFF, however, remains confident for now.

BFF vice-president Fahad Karim said, “So far, we have received no information regarding any issues with the 13 February matches. Everything is going according to the fixture. If there is any change, we will inform everyone in advance. Tuesday’s five scheduled matches will be played, Insha’Allah, without any problem.”

If the league ends with teams tied on points and a playoff becomes necessary, the wait for a champion could extend further. The Bangladesh women’s national team is set to depart for Australia on 16 February to prepare for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in March.

Addressing the possibility of a delayed playoff, Fahad added, “In that case, the playoff will have to be held after the Australia tour. We do not have time before that, and ‘Mission Australia’ cannot be compromised under any circumstances. If a playoff is required, it must be scheduled after the team returns.”

With the league entering its decisive stage, attention now turns to the final matches that will determine whether the title is settled outright or pushed into a high-stakes playoff after the national team’s continental campaign.Source: daily Sun

BP/SP