Bangladesh considering Maldives invitation as four-nation tourney looms in June

 
The Maldives Football Federation (MFF) is set to mark the 75th anniversary of the country's football governing body by hosting a four-nation invitational tournament in June, with Bangladesh among the teams invited to take part.

Alongside Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal have also received invitations for the commemorative event. Sri Lanka's football authorities have already confirmed their participation, while the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is yet to take a final call despite having formally received the invitation. 

Sources indicate that the matter is likely to be placed before the National Team Management Committee, after which BFF President Tabith Awal will convey the federation's official stance. 

Given that the proposed tournament falls within the FIFA international window from 1 to 9 June, optimism prevails within Bangladesh football circles. During this period, clubs are obliged to release players for national duty, significantly strengthening the Tigers' chances of fielding a full-strength squad.

Crucially, the FIFA window opens the door for Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury to be available for selection. 
From a sporting and strategic standpoint, the opportunity appears too valuable to ignore.

The four-nation tournament is being planned ahead of the expanded FIFA World Cup, which begins on 11 June with the participation of 48 teams. The MFF aims to stage the competition squarely within the international window, ensuring maximum competitive integrity and international appeal.

To commemorate 75 years since the formation of Maldives' independent football governing body in 1950, a special football festival was recently organised at the National Stadium in Malé. FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the ceremony, during which the official logo of the anniversary tournament was unveiled. 

In the meantime, Bangladesh had also participated in a similar tournament organised to mark the Maldives Football Federation's 50th anniversary.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh's immediate focus remains on the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, with a crucial encounter against Singapore scheduled for 31 March. 

In preparation, the BFF is exploring the possibility of arranging international friendlies against Malaysia and Thailand.

 Should away fixtures prove unfeasible, the federation is prepared to host the matches at home, underlining a proactive approach to national team readiness.