Abahani finally free of FIFA ban, season back on track

Six-time Bangladesh Football League champions Abahani were finally cleared of the FIFA registration ban, which has paved the way for the country's popular outfit to continue taking part in top-tier football.

Abahani, last season's Bangladesh Football League runners-up, were in serious threat of missing the upcoming season following three registration bans imposed by FIFA last year over unpaid wages of three foreign players, who did not even come to Bangladesh but lodged complaints with the world game's governing body after the then club management cancelled their agreements after August 5, 2024.

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The Sky Blues had lifted two of the three bans last month but were in trouble getting their last ban lifted for weeks despite clearing a major portion of the money, as a Syrian player repeatedly claimed that the money was not deposited into his designated bank account.

Abahani manager Satyajit Das Rupu said before that they would start signing players for next season after discussing the matter with the club management as soon as their third and last ban was withdrawn.

Most of the footballers who played for Abahani last season have patiently been waiting for the withdrawal of the suspension, as they are interested in playing for Abahani next season.

With Abahani getting past the trouble, five-time champions Bashundhara Kings are next to follow, as they yesterday sought seven working days to solve their registration bans after already resolving four out of 14 cases.

However, there has been no development regarding Fakirerpool Young Mens Club, who have also been suspended following two cases regarding payments.