Kings drop points as foreigners boycott BFL game

League leaders Bashundhara Kings stumbled in the Bangladesh Football League (BFL), playing out a 1-1 draw against Rahmatganj in Munshiganj on Friday after being forced to field an all-local eleven as their foreign recruits skipped the crucial tie over alleged unpaid wages .

Five-time champions Kings, who have already received 10 FIFA registration bans over unpaid wages to players and coaches, took to the field without any foreign players for the first time this season. Three foreign recruits reportedly boycotted the match and were left out of the squad against Rahmatganj, although the matter has not been officially confirmed.

However, it was learned that Nigerian defender Tony Emmanuel, forward Emmanuel Sunday and Brazilian striker Dorielton Gomes had also skipped training sessions prior to the game, demanding their dues be cleared. They reportedly issued an ultimatum, refusing to play the match unless their wages were settled before Friday’s fixture.

When The Daily Star tried to contact club president Imrul Hasan and manager Wasimuzzman, none of them responded to calls regarding the allegations.

There were also whispers that club officials persuaded the local players to take the field by pledging to clear part of the payments by next week. However, Kings dropped points after three straight wins, during which Dorielton and Sunday had combined for six of the seven goals scored by the team in their last three league matches.

The absence of the three foreign players was evident, as the local players created a few chances but failed to convert them and eventually surrendered the lead. Rahmatganj also tested the depleted Kings throughout the match.

Despite the stalemate, Kings remain top of the 10-team table with 28 points from 13 matches. Rahmatganj’s Ernest Boateng cancelled out Shahrear Emon’s 13th-minute opener in first-half stoppage time, before both sides were reduced to 10 men in the second half.

The result allowed contenders Abahani to close in on the title race, reducing the gap to three points. The Sky Blues climbed to second place with 25 points from 13 matches following an emphatic 3-1 win over Bangladesh Police FC in Gazipur.

As in previous matches, Nigerian Emeka Ogbugh delivered another commanding performance, scoring once and assisting twice. Sharif Uddin of Police FC and Abahani’s Sheikh Morsalin, who netted a goal, were both sent off. The other Abahani goal was scored by substitute Al Amin in the second half.

Meanwhile, at the Bashundhara Kings Arena, 10-man Fortis FC played out a goalless draw against lowly Arambagh KS, while defending champions Mohammedan registered a 3-0 win over Fakirerpool Young Men’s Club in Cumilla, with Joy Ahamed, Jewel Mia, and Rafayel Tudu scoring one goal each.