Challenge Cup cancelled, new stadium set for bigger role

The curtain-raiser Challenge Cup will not take place ahead of Bangladesh's 2026–27 domestic football season, while the participation of three top clubs remains uncertain due to FIFA transfer bans, Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) president Tabith Awal confirmed on Monday.

​The traditional season opener was scheduled for 21 August, however, with country giants Dhaka Abahani and Bashundhara Kings still under FIFA sanctions over unpaid player dues, the match has been called off. With the Super Cup already cancelled and the Independence Cup in doubt, the domestic calendar is likely to feature only the Federation Cup, starting from 25 August, and the Bangladesh Football League (BFL) from 28 August.

​"The traditional Challenge Cup that we used to hold before the season will not happen this time," Awal told reporters at the Bir Shrestha Shaheed Shipahi Mostafa Kamal Stadium. "We may hold it under a different name and on another date, but there will be no match before the season starts."

​Awal clarified that while the overall player transfer window runs until 3 September, the three banned clubs face a crucial deadline on 19 August to clear financial liabilities and register squads.

​"We are still planning with 13 teams, but we will know the final lineup after 19 August," Awal said. "That date is not changing, and we do not want to change our match dates either. I have requested the other clubs to start their registration process."

​The federation has shortlisted six primary venues Gazipur, Munshiganj, Cumilla, Mymensingh, and Manikganj  with Chandpur and Gopalganj also under review. Addressing requests to play at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, Awal said the venue might be considered later in the season for crucial title or relegation fixtures rather than early regular matches.

​On the international front, Bangladesh's inclusion in the ASEAN Cup during the September FIFA window remains undecided. Although the BFF National Team Committee voted unanimously in favour of taking part, the federation is waiting for formal FIFA clearance.

​"I cannot make an official comment until FIFA officially recognises Bangladesh as a participant in the upcoming ASEAN series," Awal stated, while also rejecting rumours that the national head coach is unwilling to play. "We want to take part where it pays the highest dividend for football development. Our two alternative plans are on hold until we receive FIFA's final decision."

​Awal also addressed match-fixing allegations involving three to four games in the second division, affirming that the BFF has deployed scouts, match commissioners, and independent observers across all competitions.

​"This is an ongoing process, as long as football, opportunities, and online betting exist, people will try to take advantage. We are doing everything we can to minimise that risk," he concluded.