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Hammam calls for strong club base

Sports Reporter
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Mohammad bin Hammam stressed the need for a strong club structure as he inaugurated the foundation stone of the country's first artificial turf at an elaborate ceremony at the BFF Bhaban yesterday.
Hammam also left behind a message ensuring continued support by AFC and FIFA and urged the country’s football association to repair the rifts which might hinder the development of the game in the long run.
As part of the second Goal project, Bangladesh was due to receive an artificial all-weather turf and with the unveiling of the foundation stone, the dream looks that bit closer to reality, with Hammam assuring completion of the work by 'the end of this year.'
The artificial turf which is to be located on the 'Balur Math’ next to the BFF Bhaban will, according to BFF President SA Sultan, support “football all year round during both day and night."
Hammam's fourth visit in as many years has coincided with a ground-breaking meeting that has seen an amendment in the BFF constitution to endorse the formation of Football Associations (FAs)
all of which Hammam considers to be a good sign.
“The formation of the FAs and this amendment in line with the Vision Asia project will bring some much needed discipline and stabilityin football of this country.
"Bangladesh lacks sorely behind the advanced continents of Europe and even many countries in Asia. This is a step in the right direction,” said Hammam.
He conceded however that in order to be really successful in the long run. Bangladesh would need the stringent efforts of both human and financial resources to the FA and the clubs.
The AFC president also pro
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fessed himself delighted at the interest shown by Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) president General Moeen U Ahmed for development of football in the country.
"We discussed football affairs and I was impressed by his love for the game. I will be visiting again this year on his invitation and (FIFA President) Sepp Blatter is also set to visit Bangladesh before the end of this year.”
In a lively press conference following die ceremony, Hammam also detailed the importance of establishing strong clubs within the country, a fact that he feels the new statuteswill facilitate.
"With the new statutes in place, it will see the establishment of a clear hierarchy which will allow the clubs to thrive.
"There will be lucid administration, a clear youth structure, a coach, and an altogether professional setup that will allow clubs to nurture the ability of the players."
Replying to a query about whether the FAs, free from any government interference, would really be workable Hammam replied that if it (the statutes) was applicable to Japan, it will be to Bangladesh as well.
"The rationale behind removing political interest from the formation of the statutes is to have an independent, transparent and democratic system in place which is not affected by personal interests.”