Tabith says, BFF set to build FIFA-funded training centre

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is set to finally begin construction of its FIFA-funded elite training centre in Ramu, Cox’s Bazar, following a major breakthrough regarding land acquisition.

Speaking on Sunday, BFF President Tabith Awal confirmed that the land handover process has officially commenced under the Prime Minister's directive. Crucially, the previously demanded Tk8cr market-value fee for the government land has been scrapped. Instead, the BFF will pay a token fee of just Tk1,00,001 Lakh to complete the land mutation.

"As soon as the mutation is completed in the BFF's name, we will start the construction of the FIFA-approved and FIFA-funded training centre," Awal said, noting that the official process is already underway.

The state-of-the-art project will now be developed on 15 acres of land, revised down from the originally planned 25 acres. Addressing concerns over the reduced area, the BFF assured that the core standard of the technical centre would remain entirely unaffected.

"The design will naturally be redrawn for 15 acres," an official stated. "While the number of certain facilities, such as gyms or pools, might decrease, there will be absolutely no sacrifice in terms of size or quality."

The federation also confirmed that FIFA has agreed to the revised 15-acre plan in principle, and the final project details will be finalised once the land is officially secured, helping safeguard the FIFA development funds that were at risk of being withdrawn due to prolonged delays.