SPORTS REPORTER

The long-awaited Women’s Football League will kick off on December 29 following the opening of a 13-day transfer window, with each of the 11 participating clubs allowed to register up to 35 players for the month-long competition.

The decision was finalised yesterday after a meeting between Mahfuza Akter Kiron, Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) Women’s Wing chairman, and club representatives. Five teams will feature in the top-tier league for the first time, joining six returning sides.

“We are going to start the Women’s Football League… as per the recommendations from the FIB [First Instant Body],” Kiron told The Daily Star after the meeting at the BFF House.

She added that the league will be played in a single-league format and conclude on January 31, allowing the national team to depart for their maiden AFC Women’s Asian Cup campaign in early February.

The inclusion of 11 teams ensures each club plays at least 10 matches -- a key requirement for eligibility in the AFC Women’s Champions League -- giving the league champions a pathway to continental competition.

Despite earlier suggestions of a pool system for top players, Kiron confirmed there will be none. Clubs must field at least four age-group players in their starting eleven -- two each from U-17 and U-20 -- with substitutes also drawn from those groups to maximise match exposure and development.

The quota for foreign players has been increased to four from two -- featured in the last edition held in March–April last year -- although only three can feature in a single match.

While the league will be completed within a tight timeframe, fixtures have been arranged to ensure a minimum two-day rest between games.

On sponsorship, Kiron said Walton has, in principle, agreed to support the women’s league with Tk 10 lakh, while the BFF is also considering providing participation fees to clubs after discussions with federation president Tabith Awal.

There will be no national team training camp during the league, but the women’s team coaching staff will closely monitor players and coordinate with club coaches to track form and fitness.

Looking ahead, Kiron said plans are in place to arrange two practice matches for the national team in early February en route to Australia, with discussions ongoing with Malaysia over possible friendlies. English coach Peter Butler, she added, will return in early January after a Christmas break.