The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is set to host its largest-ever trial for expatriate players under the banner "BFF Next Global Star." The event will take place over three days, 28, 29, and 30 June, at the National Stadium in Dhaka, bringing together 52 players of Bangladeshi origin from 14 countries.
This unprecedented trial has generated significant interest, particularly following the success of diaspora stars such as Hamza Choudhury and Jamal Bhuiyan donning the red and green. With a view to broadening the national talent pool, BFF's initiative aims to integrate promising talents from abroad into various age-level national squads and potentially the senior team.
Players are flying in from the United Kingdom, United States, Sweden, Canada, Finland, Belgium, Wales, Italy, Malaysia, Estonia, Spain, Australia, Ireland, and Austria. The UK tops the list with 20 participants, followed by the US with 14. Sweden and Canada contribute five and two players respectively, while the remaining countries each have one representative.
The trial is open to players aged 14 to 27, with a primary focus on U-17, U-19, and U-23 categories. Registration closes on 27 June. Participants will bear their own travel costs, while BFF will provide official training kits including jerseys, shorts, and socks.
The sessions will be overseen by a five-member expert coaching panel led by BFF Technical Director Saiful Bari Titu. National team head coach Javier Farnandez will attend as an observer, and several coaches from top domestic clubs and former national team players currently serving in the BFF executive committee will also be involved.
Each day will consist of two-hour sessions, dividing the players into two groups for in-depth performance assessments. A friendly match among the diaspora players will round off the event on the final day.
Speaking at a press briefing at Dhaka's RAOWA Club on Wednesday, BFF Vice President and Development Committee Chairman Nasser Shariar Zahedi expressed optimism. He said, "This is part of our broader vision to connect with the global Bangladeshi football community and build a talent bridge. However, we remain committed to grassroots development within the country as well."
This is expected to be a step to scout overseas talent and create a competitive, inclusive footballing ecosystem embracing both local and global sons of the soil.
