Bangladesh replaces India in ASEAN Cup with FIFA approval

Photo : Collected

Bangladesh will replace India in the ASEAN Cup after receiving formal approval from FIFA and the tournament organisers, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) said.

The tournament will be held under FIFA supervision for the first time, from September 24 to October 6 in Indonesia.

India were originally scheduled to play in the tournament but withdrew after deciding to face Brazil during the September international window. FIFA then approached Bangladesh to ask whether it was interested in participating.

The BFF national team committee approved the proposal at an emergency meeting last Friday, and FIFA has now given its formal approval.

Bangladesh are expected to remain in Group A, where they will face hosts Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

The BFF will not have to bear any costs for participating in the tournament, according to the report.

The tournament offers prize money of several crore taka for the champions, with additional financial rewards for reaching and winning matches in the semi-finals.