Traditional foes Abahani Krlr.i kra and Moha-£ uunedan Sporting 4 Club have been

—5!—T 1 placed in separate groups for I he forthcoming Federal Ion Cup football tournament. secretary of the tournament committee and Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) member Moazzem Hossain said yesterday.

The season’s curtain-raiser, involving 21 teams, will begin at the Bangabandhu National Stadium from next Saturday.

Seventeen teams -- six Premier Division, ten First Division and Bangladesh Army --will take part in the knock-out first round which will be held In four groups. The group winners will Join last year's semi-flnalists -- holders Abahani Krlra Chakra, runners-up Muktijoddha Sangsad Krlra Chakra. Badda Jagarani Sangsad and Mohammedan Spor-

ting Chib In the second round.

Moazzem also revealed that the first round would end on August 17 and the second round robin league would start from the following day. The semifinals are billed for August 26 while the final is on August 28.

Barring the opening day, four matches will be played at the Bangabandhu National Stadium and the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium In Mirpur everyday

Although BFF will officially unveil the first round fixture list today. It was learnt that Arambagh Krlra Sangha will take on Wari Club in a Group A engagement in the inaugural match, while Farashganj will meet Muslim Institute in a Group B clash in the day's other match.

Brothers Union and Rah-matganl Muslim Friends Society will head Groups C and D respectively.

Moazzem said that in the second round. Abahani and

Badda .Jagarani Sangsad have been placed in Group One while Muktijoddha Sangsad and Mohammedan are in Group Two.

However, with only foUr days before the tournament kicks off the BFF is yet to name a sponsor.

"The top federation officials are out of the country. Thais why we could not take any projier initiative." said the frustrated tournament secretary yesterday.

He said that the organisers had even approached last year s sponsors Pedrolo Water Pump but without much success.

Meanwhile, after four davs of hectic inter-club transfers which ended last Saturday all the clubs except Mohammedan have gone into practice mode at different venues. The curren Premier League champions are on en route to London wllerp they will feature in a couple of’ exhibition games.