Italian-based footballer Fahmidul did not return to Dhaka with the national team from Saudi Arabia, sparking controversy over his exclusion from the final squad by coach Javier Cabrera.
The matter has drawn the attention of Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, who is set to hold a meeting with Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) President Tabith Awal tomorrow to discuss the issue.
Fahmidul, an 18-year-old talent playing in Italy’s fourth-tier league, was initially called up to the national team by Cabrera due to his potential. He trained with the squad for a week in Saudi Arabia and played one match. However, his sudden exclusion from the final squad has triggered backlash among football fans. Supporters have staged protests in front of the BFF headquarters and the team hotel, demanding Fahmidul’s reinstatement and an end to alleged favoritism in team selection.
BFF President Tabith Awal was at the team hotel ahead of the arrival of another national team recruit, Hamza. Before Hamza’s arrival, Awal had a brief discussion with coach Javier Cabrera. Vice President Fahad Karim, a close associate of Awal, was also present during the conversation. Although other members of the national team committee were at the hotel, they were not part of the discussion with the coach.
