Bangladeshi quartet to compete in AFC Women's Champions League for a Bhutanese club
The Bhutanese club has offered contracts to the four Bangladeshi players to compete in the preliminary stage of the inaugural edition from August 25-31.
Bangladesh women's football team captain Sabina Khatun, midfielders Maria Manda and Monika Chakma, and winger Ritu Porna Chakma have a chance to participate in the inaugural AFC Women's Champions League this year with Bhutan's Royal Thimphu College SC.
The Bhutanese club has offered contracts to the four Bangladeshi players to compete in the preliminary stage of the inaugural edition from August 25-31.
"During the two FIFA friendlies against Bhutan last week, Royal Thimphu approached us to allow Sabina, Ritu, Maria, and Monika to play for them in the upcoming AFC Women's Champions League," said Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) women's wing chairman Mahfuza Akhter Kiron.
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"We initially denied releasing the players for the sake of their preparation for the upcoming SAFF Women's Championship. But later agreed to release them after consulting with head coach Peter Butler.
"As the tournament will feature strong teams, Sabina and the others will benefit from it ahead of the SAFF Women's Championship in October. The players will sign a three-week contract for August 10-31," she added.
In the preliminary stage, 13 clubs, divided into four groups, will compete, with the group champions advancing. No club from Bangladesh has registered for the competition.
Royal Thimphu College is set to compete against Bam Khatoon of Iran and Kitchee SC of Hong Kong.
