***The fifth edition of the Bangladesh Premier League still has five rounds left, but there are whispers in the footballing circuit thatfew clubs have already enticed big players to join their ranks for the next season. This is a violation of the league bylaws, which is weak in its definition.***

It has become a common phenomenon in the country's football that

clubs and players reach an agreement through internal negotiation, either in written form or verbal, much before the start of the transfer season and during an ongoing league. This virtually breaks the focus of the players and harmony within the club which ultimately derails the club from their title push or relegation battle.

The system of player ownership in our football is a chief cause for this kind of frail relationship between the club and the players. Since clubs own a player for a single season here, and after that the player becomes a free agent and negotiations begin between interested clubs and the players instead of a club-to-club affair, both interested clubs and players take advantage ofit.

To avert this scenario, the Bangladesh Football Federation inserted a clause in the bylaws which states that after the completion of the season, the players must discuss

with their respective clubs about their intention of switching to another club. However, because there is no written agreement required which makes it very difficult to prove whether any discussion took place, clubs keep on enticing players and the bylaws keep getting violated.

Sheikh Russel KC, Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, Mohammedan SC and Abahani are reportedly in discussion about forming stronger squads for the next season, even though they have denied approaching any players thus far.

"We have a plan of forming a champion side by signing a few star players but we are yet to make any contacts with the players. We may however contact players after the two crucial matches of our club in the ongoing league,” said Sheikh Russel president Nurul Alam Chowdhury.

However, it has been learnt that Sheikh Russel have already confirmed midfielder Mamunul Islam, defender Rezaul Karim, striking duo Mithun Chowdhury and Zahid Hasan Emily from Muktijoddha Sangsad and are in contact with Abahani midfielder Arman Aziz and defender Nasir Chowdhury.“Yes, the officials of Sheikh Russel have contacted me and offered handsome money but I will decide about it after the completion of the league," said a player seeking anonymity.

Echoing the sentiment of Sheikh Russel president, Sheikh Jamal Dhanmond Club president Manjur Kader said, “I can tell you that we are going to form a strong side compared to our current squad."

Asked whether they have started to contact the players, Kader said, “It is illegal to make any contact with the players while the profes-

sional league is on. However, we will discuss with the players in the given time of the transfer window.”

“But every club has a right to protect its players, and at the same time every player has a right to look for a good club and we are working accordingly,” said Kader.

However, it has been learnt that Sheikh Jamal have already confirmed winger Nasir Chowdhury, defenders Ariful Islam, Moffazal Hossain Saikat, midfielder Alamgir Rana and goalkeeper Mashudur Rahman Mustak from Muktijoddha Sangsad, Monaem Khan Raju from

Sheikh Russel and retained the services of defender Yousuf and striker Sohel Rana.

It has also been learnt that Meshu, midfielder Abdul Baten Komon, Mintu Sheikh and goalkeeper Aminul Haque are leaving Sheikh Jamal and are in touch with the Mohammedan management.

Abahani director Kazi Nabil Ahmed informed that they have directed all the players to discuss with club management before accepting any offer from other clubs while the club is eager to retain their services.