Bangladesh women footballers end revolt and sign central contracts

Eighteen Bangladesh Women's National Team footballers, who previously revolted against head coach Peter Butler, have now been brought under the Bangladesh Football Federation's (BFF) central contract system. The rebel players, including senior figures such as Sabina Khatun, Sanjida Akter, and Maria Manda, have signed a six-month contract, raising the number of contracted players under the BFF from 36 to 54.

Of the 18 new signings, eight are currently training with coach Peter Butler in the ongoing national camp. The remaining 10, including Sabina, Maria, Monika Chakma, Masura Parvin, Krishna Rani Sarkar, and Ritu Porna Chakma, are competing in Bhutan's Women's National League.

Earlier this year, a dispute erupted between a group of senior players and Butler, leading to the BFF offering new contracts to all 55 players in the training camp ahead of the March FIFA friendly matches against the UAE. However, 18 players refused to sign, demanding Butler's resignation. The crisis was resolved in late March when the protesting players agreed to rejoin the camp after the Eid break. The team is set to play two FIFA friendlies, against Jordan and Indonesia, on March 31 and June 3.