Tabith Awal Fumes Over Physio Dispute

Bangla Press Desk:   Tabith Awal, president of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), expressed frustration over physiotherapist-related controversy on Friday, saying he had not been informed in advance about the complications.

According to the BFF president, a female physiotherapist was initially scheduled to travel with the team. All formalities were completed, her name was included in the final squad list, and registration had been finalised. However, she later informed the federation that she was six months pregnant.

“A female physio was supposed to travel with the team. Meetings were done, the team list was finalised, and registration was completed. In December, she informed us that she was six months pregnant. Would the Australian government allow someone seven months pregnant to enter the country?” the president enquired.

A replacement physiotherapist was then appointed, but further complications arose. Although the team was scheduled to depart for Australia on the night of 19 February, the federation learned a day earlier that the replacement physio had undergone an appendicitis operation and was hospitalised. According to Tabith, no prior communication had been made regarding the surgery.

“She was replaced with another person. The team was set to leave on the night of 19 February, and on the night of 18 February, we learned that the physio had undergone appendicitis surgery. She was in the hospital. She did not inform a single person that she had undergone surgery. When the federation found out on the 19th, not a single person had informed me,” he said.

As a result, the Bangladesh team arrived in Australia without a physiotherapist. In an embarrassing development, the team had to request medical support from their practice-match opponents, Western Sydney Wanderers FC.

“They are going to compete at the top level, yet without a physio,” Tabith added, expressing dissatisfaction.

To address the crisis, the BFF president moved quickly to appoint a Bangladesh-origin physiotherapist currently residing in Australia. Sources said the newly appointed physio has also expressed interest in working in Bangladesh in the future. Source: daily Sun

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