FIFA chief could make surprise Dhaka stop

FIFA president Gianni Infantino could make a brief, unexpected stop in Bangladesh on Sunday while travelling to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, prompting the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) to make last-minute preparations for a possible transit visit.

The prospect comes just a fortnight after BFF president Tabith Awal and executive committee member Imtiaz Hamid Sobuj met Infantino during the ASEAN Cup in Indonesia.

Infantino’s final destination is Thimphu, but a stopover may be necessary because direct flights are not available on all routes. The transit could take place in Dhaka, Saidpur or an airport in neighbouring India.

Although the BFF is yet to confirm his exact route, the federation is preparing for the possibility of his arrival in Bangladesh.

On Saturday afternoon, BFF general secretary visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate swift immigration and security arrangements should Infantino land in the country.

According to BFF sources, if Infantino stops at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka and agrees to a brief meeting, BFF president Tabith Awal and the federation’s vice-presidents will be available for a courtesy call in the VIP lounge.