Md Anwar Ullah: Sylhet Stadium might be the venue of the all three home matches of the World Cup 2022 and the Asian Cup 2023 joint qualifying competition as the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is waiting for FIFA and AFC special guidelines and nod for its preference.
Earlier, it was decided to hold one match in the Sylhet Stadium with the approval from the FIFA and AFC but due to COVID-19, the global football authority postponed the matches in March and made a fresh schedule for October and November.
However, the BFF also had to change their preference to hold all three matches in Sylhet only as most of the seats in Bangabandhu National Stadium (BNS) are in shambles, informed The Independent BFF General Secretary Abu Nayeem Shohag on Sunday.
After having the new fixture, BFF is waiting for special guidelines from FIFA and AFC on the availability of the facilities for visiting and hosts teams, safety and security and the arrangement of supporters.
“Though we had earlier decision to hold one match at Sylhet Stadium and rest of two at the Bangabandhu National Stadium (BNS) but the deadly COVID-19 pandemic dampened the plan, so we would have to think afresh,” said Shohag.
About the reason preference to select Sylhet Stadium rather than the BNS Shohag said, “In fact Sylhet Stadium will be fully prepared to hold any international match by one and a half month as per the exclusive rules of FIFA during the coronavirus period.”
“We are waiting for the queries and directions from FIFA and AFC on venue and once it is decided, our preparation with available facilities at hands would be easier,” Shohag replied to a query.
About the FIFA-AFC guidelines, Shohag said, “There must be safety and security measures in place and if supporters want to watch match from the gallery, the seating arrangement will be aligned as per the social safety guidelines.”
“We are also watching the ongoing English League, Bundesliga, Serie A and Spanish league matches for generating some ideas which will help us to prepare the venue,” Shohag explained.
