Arch-rivals Abahani and Mohammedan were drawn in a 'Group of Death' along with last year's runners-up Muktijoddha Sangsad in the final
round of the Nitol-Tata National Football League.
The draw ceremony was held yesterday at Hotel Purbani amid fanfare but as soon as it was known that the three local heavyweights were lined up in Group B, faces became gloomy with thoughts of premature exits because none of the three teams have won a trophy this season.
The others teams in the group are Rangamati Mohammedan, billed as the strongest team among the six qualifiers, and Feni Soccer Club. Defending champions Brothers Union head a relatively easy Group A with Bangladesh Army, Kacharipara Sporting Club of Jamalpur, Naba Nabin Shamabesh of Munshiganj and Khulna Town Club.
Although three teams from the same group have chances to qualify for the last four, it would be really difficult after a tough first-phase draw to stay in contention.
National team's Argentine coach Diego Cruciani pulled the first name during the draw followed by former national footballers Azmat Ali, Sheikh Mohammed Aslam, Mohammed Mohsin, Salam Murshedi, renowned sports journalist Manzurul Haque actors Tony Dais and Priya Dais and model Lisa.
The finals of the fifth edition of the NFL, however, will start in Khulna on November 20 instead of 16 as the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has yet to confirm live telecast of the matches to be played outside Dhaka.
Tournament committee chairman Abdul Matlub told a press conference that they were confident that Bangladesh Television would reverse its decision and like the past, the matches will be telecast live from Khulna (Nov 20-24), Rangpur (Nov 30-Dec 4), Chandpur (Dec 9-13) and Cox's Bazar (Dec 19-23).
“Live telecast of the National League matches is important for the whole nation and we are trying to convince the government,” said Matulb, who is also chairman of sponsors Nitol Group.
BFF president SA Sultan, vicepresident Monir Ahmed, general secretary Anwarul Haque Helal and deputy general secretary Manzoor Hossain Malu were also present.
“We have been have in discussions with BTV about this for three months and there are some sensitive issues like security. I don't think it would be a big problem. We have talked with private TV channels but still, they are far behind the state-run television in technical support. So we have to depend on the government,” Sultan said.
“We have talked with the Sports Minister but the Information Minister is busy. We are hopeful about a solution soon,” he added.
In reply to a question, Matlub did not assure whether his organisation would sponsor the premier tournament of the country next year because the contract between BFF and Nitol Group expires this season.
“We are looking forward to fulfil our commitment of a three-year contract and we will try our best to make it a success. There will be more rewards to attract crowd. WeAbahani, Mohammedan drawn together will think about a new contract later,” added Matlub.
The sponsors will provide Tk 60 lakh out of a Tk 1.10-crore budget and the BFF will bring co-sponsors for the first time to
collect more funds.
“We will get about Tk 25 lakh from cosponsors but the deals have yet to be signed,” informed Manzoor Hossain Malu, who is also the tournament committee secretary.
The Super Six stage, where three top teams from each group play at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, will be held from December 27-January 4. The semifinals are billed for January 6 and 7 and the final January 9.
The top four teams of a table of six will qualify for the semifinals. Teams of Group A will carry points won against their fellow group qualifiers into the Super Six where they will play against Group B teams only.