Mohammedan seeks neutral venue for Federation Cup final

 
Mohammedan Sporting Club have formally requested the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) to shift the upcoming Federation Cup final away from Bashundhara Kings Arena, insisting that such a high-stakes encounter should be played at a neutral venue.

The Federation Cup final, scheduled for 19 May, is currently set to be held at the home ground of Bashundhara Kings, Mohammedan's opponents in the title clash. However, the Motijheel-based giants have made it clear that they are unwilling to play the final at the Kings Arena, citing several unpleasant experiences from previous matches at the venue.

In a letter submitted to the BFF on Tuesday, Mohammedan urged the federation to reconsider the venue in the interest of ensuring a fair and festive final atmosphere. Copies of the letter were also sent to the BFF President and the chairman of the Professional Football League Committee. 

The letter, signed by Mohammedan's Director-in-Charge Lokman Hossain Bhuiyan, stated that both the club authorities and its "countless supporters" strongly expect the final of the United Healthcare Federation Cup 2025-26 to be staged at a neutral ground.

Mohammedan further referred to what they described as "hostile and aggressive behaviour" towards their players and supporters during previous Bangladesh Premier League matches at the Bashundhara venue. The club noted that those incidents had already been reported to the federation through earlier official correspondence.

According to Mohammedan, a neutral venue would play "an immense role" in ensuring a competitive yet celebratory final worthy of the country's premier domestic knockout tournament.

The request has now placed the BFF in a delicate position ahead of one of the most anticipated fixtures of the domestic football season.