Sports Desk:

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is set to organize a large-scale trial for expatriate footballers from 28 to 30 June at the National Stadium in Dhaka. The programme, titled ‘BFF Next Global Star’, will feature 52 Bangladeshi-origin players from 14 countries, marking the first such trial of its kind in the country’s footballing history.

At a press conference held at the capital’s Rawa Club on Wednesday (June 25), BFF officials announced details of the three-day trial. Players within the age range of 14 to 27 have registered, with an emphasis on recruiting for the U-17, U-19, and U-23 national teams.

The trial will be conducted under the technical guidance of BFF Technical Director Saifur Bari Titu, alongside a five-member coaching panel. National team head coach Javier Cabrera will act as an observer throughout the programme.

Participating players hail from a wide range of countries, including United Kingdom (20 players), United States (14), Sweden (5), Canada (2) and one each from Finland, Belgium, Wales, Italy, Malaysia, Estonia, Spain, Australia, Ireland, and Austria.

Daily sessions will be split into two groups, and on the final day, a friendly match will be arranged among the trialists.

Speaking to the media, BFF Vice President and Development Committee Chairman Md. Nasser Shahrear Zahedee said, “We’re trying to take Bangladeshi football forward in every possible way. This programme is part of our broader strategy to engage overseas Bangladeshi players and offer them a platform to contribute to our football. We hope this initiative builds a lasting connection between the diaspora and our national teams.”

The BFF has confirmed that the players are attending at their own expense, and the federation will provide jerseys, shorts, and socks only. All other personal gear must be arranged by the players themselves. The registration deadline is set for 27 June.

Zahedi also addressed concerns that the focus on diaspora talent might overshadow local players, “Our grassroots football development remains a top priority. This trial does not mean local talent will be ignored. Just as players like Hamza Choudhury and Jamal Bhuiyan have made an impact globally, we want young footballers from Bangladesh to earn similar recognition on the international stage.”

Interest in diaspora footballers has grown in recent years, particularly after Hamza Choudhury made his debut for Bangladesh. Following in his footsteps, players like Shamit Shome, Fahamedul Islam, Cuba Mitchell have entered the spotlight.