Samba targets Dhaka

Brazil’s dream visit to Bangladesh moved a significant step closer on Monday, with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) approving the playing surfaces at Dhaka’s National Stadium and Bashundhara Kings Arena but demanding urgent upgrades to key facilities before a potential friendly.

Speaking to reporters at the BFF premises on Monday afternoon, Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) executive committee member Shakhawat Hossain Bhuiya Shahin revealed the Brazilian delegation’s requirements following their inspection of both venues on Sunday.

“They came, inspected both venues, and attended a crucial late-night meeting alongside our president and the Brazilian ambassador,” Shahin said. “The pitch quality is acceptable for the Brazil national team, but they laid bare several areas demanding urgent intervention.”

The CBF wants improvements to the dressing rooms, technical zones, media facilities and security arrangements around the entry and exit gates.

Brazil’s travelling entourage can include nearly 100 personnel, with dedicated staff for individual players, placing additional demands on Dhaka’s existing infrastructure.

But infrastructure is not the only reason Brazil are keen on Bangladesh.

“They want to play here because of the passionate love of Bangladeshi fans,” Shahin said. “Wherever Brazil play across the globe, whether in the United States, the United Kingdom or across Asia, Bangladeshi supporters paint the stands in yellow and green. They want to honour that devotion.”

The proposed fixture, however, faces a scheduling hurdle because of Bangladesh’s ASEAN Cup commitments.

“There is no room for confusion regarding the fixture,” Shahin said. “Because we will be playing in the ASEAN tournament, the schedule falls very close. Our president is discussing with FIFA to see what can be worked out.”

The CBF delegation inspected the National Stadium, Bashundhara Kings Arena, the training ground and Gold’s Gym during its visit, with the pitches receiving a positive assessment.

Brazil’s potential appearance in Dhaka now hinges on whether the required infrastructural and security upgrades can be completed in time.