Hamza edges closer to representing Bangladesh

Leicester City footballer Hamza Choudhury has moved a step closer to donning the Bangladesh national team jersey.

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) recently secured a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the English Football Association (FA), marking a significant development in the process. BFF General Secretary Imran Hossain confirmed the news earlier today.

"Late last week, the FA issued the NOC for Hamza Choudhury to represent Bangladesh. Our next step is to seek FIFA's approval, which will require submitting additional documentation, including the FA's NOC. Once the Players' Status Committee reviews the case and grants clearance, Hamza will be eligible to play for Bangladesh," Hossain explained.

The initial step in securing Hamza's eligibility was obtaining his Bangladeshi passport, which he applied for in June. After his passport was processed and delivered to the Bangladesh High Commission in London, Hamza was unable to collect it immediately due to Leicester City's pre-season commitments. However, on 23 august, his mother, Rafia Choudhury, collected it on his behalf.

His NOC from the FA now brings him closer to fulfilling his dream of representing Bangladesh on the international stage.

The BFF will now submit the necessary paperwork to FIFA's Players' Status Committee. Once FIFA's approval is granted, the final step will involve securing permission from Leicester City. BFF officials are optimistic that the remaining procedures will be completed swiftly.

"Late last week, the FA issued the NOC for Hamza. Now, we will seek FIFA's approval," said Imran Hossain, BFF General Secretary.

Hamza Choudhury, who plays for Leicester City in the English Premier League, has strong Bangladeshi roots and has expressed a keen interest in representing Bangladesh at the international level. With the NOC from the FA and the successful processing of his passport, he is now closer than ever to achieving that goal, thanks to the efforts of both his family and the BFF.