BFF begins hunt for new coach, Cabrera must reapply to stay

The future of national team coach Javier Cabrera remains in limbo as the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has officially initiated the search for a new coach following a key meeting of its National Teams Committee on Saturday.

Chaired by BFF President Tabith Awal, the meeting focused on the national team’s direction and the fate of Cabrera, whose current contract runs until April 30.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, National Teams Committee member and Media Committee Chairman Amirul Islam Babu confirmed that the federation has decided to open the coaching position to fresh candidates.

“We are starting the search for a new coach from today. We will interview candidates. If necessary, Cabrera can also attend the interview. The committee will then make the decision,” Babu said.

Bangladesh played their most recent match under Cabrera against Singapore on March 31, and he could see his tenure end if he is not reappointed. Despite being the longest-serving coach in the country’s history, his stint of over four years has drawn mixed reactions.

While there has been visible improvement in the team’s playing style, results have fallen short of expectations -- particularly in the Asian Cup qualifiers, where Bangladesh failed to capitalise despite the inclusion of expatriate players.

Addressing speculation over whether Cabrera holds any advantage in the selection process, Babu made it clear that the process will remain open and competitive.

“If he applies, previous considerations will not matter. He will have to apply afresh,” he said.

The committee has unanimously decided to invite applications both locally and internationally, with CVs to be collected through various channels, including embassies. BFF aims to appoint a new head coach on a two-year contract, alongside a goalkeeping coach for the same duration—marking a shift toward long-term planning.

The goalkeeping coach position, which has seen frequent changes in recent years, is also being stabilised through a longer contractual commitment.

“We have already started searching for a goalkeeping coach,” Babu added.

Alongside the coaching overhaul, BFF has turned its attention to the upcoming FIFA international window from June 1 to June 9. The federation is planning to arrange matches during this period, with Thailand and Myanmar among the potential opponents.

“We will try to play against Thailand or Myanmar--teams of slightly higher quality,” Babu said, dismissing rumours of a four-nation tournament in the Maldives.

In a broader push to strengthen the football structure, the committee has also decided to form the Under-23 national team as part of its long-term strategy. The Under-23 squad will be placed under continuous training, with players potentially serving as backup options for the senior team.

“We are preparing to form the Under-23 national team from today. The most important thing is that this team will remain in continuous practice,” Babu said.

BFF officials believe that maintaining year-round camps for both senior and youth teams will help improve player fitness, consistency, and overall performance.

With the June window approaching and the search for a new coach underway, Bangladesh football now stands at a transitional moment--one that could shape the team’s direction in the coming years.

HIGHLIGHTS:

1.    BFF begins search for new head coach; Javier Cabrera must reapply if interested. Cabrera’s contract expires on April 30.
2.    New head coach and goalkeeping coach to be appointed on two-year contracts
3.    Applications to be invited locally and internationally
4.    June FIFA window targeted for international matches
5.    Thailand and Myanmar among potential opponents
6.    Formation of Under-23 national team confirmed
7.    Plan for continuous training camps for both senior and Under-23 teams