SPORTS REPORTER

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has shortlisted three European coaches each for the men’s and women’s teams, with Javier Cabrera and Peter Butler among the candidates after the duo’s respective contract expired earlier this week.

“The final decision on the coaches’ appointments will be made by January 10,” BFF president Tabith Awal confirmed to The Daily Star over the phone on Wednesday.

The BFF boss further informed that they have been focusing on other priorities of late, keeping in mind the contracts for both Englishman Butler and Spaniard Cabrera were going to end on December 31, and that the former is likely to be offered a contract renewal after having guided the women’s team in defending the SAFF Championship crown last year.

In a parallel development, former national women’s team head coach Golam Rabbani Choton has returned to the BFF in a new capacity. Effective from January 1, Choton has been appointed head of youth development and the BFF Elite Football Academy for a one-year tenure.

This marks a significant return for the 56-year-old, who previously coached the women’s team to their maiden SAFF Championship title in 2022.

Choton had stepped down from his earlier role in May 2023, citing family reasons, and subsequently joined the Army women’s football team as head coach. At the time, he had ruled out any possibility of rejoining the BFF. However, the emergence of Tabith Awal as the new BFF boss following BFF elections in late October and a subsequent reshuffling within the federation prompted a change in direction.

“I have come here afresh with new responsibility as the head of youth development. I believe there are a lot of areas to work and improve in youth development,” Choton told reporters after receiving his appointment letter at the BFF headquarters yesterday.

Choton brings a wealth of experience to his new role. As an AFC Pro License holder, he worked extensively at the grassroots level before transitioning to women’s football in 2008.

With Choton at the helm of youth development and the upcoming decisions on senior team coaching appointments, the BFF are setting the stage for a transformative year.