Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan emphasised the importance of merit-based player selection and urged vigilance against nepotism and corruption in football.

On Wednesday, at around 2:30 PM, during a courtesy meeting with national team newcomer Hamza Choudhury at the Nagar Bhaban in the capital, the sports adviser made these remarks about the allegations of syndicates raised on social media and the exclusion of Fahmidul.

The sports adviser said, ``The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) must keep a vigilant eye to ensure that no one falls victim to nepotism or syndicates during player selection. If any evidence of corruption is found, the government will take action against those involved.``

Tabith Awal, the president of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), also engaged in discussions with the sports adviser regarding the ongoing crisis in football.

Later, the adviser called on BFF to take stronger measures to overcome the crisis and move the country`s football forward.

Thousands welcome football star Hamza Choudhury home to his village in Sylhet

Wishing the Bangladesh team good luck before their match against India, adviser Asif hoped that the inclusion of Hamza would boost the team’s confidence, and Bangladesh will win.

Tabith said, ``There is no scope for syndicates in the football federation. Everyone will get their rightful place based on merit, and if any indication of malpractice arises, the federation will take action.``

Tabith added, ``The current situation is not a crisis. We didn’t exclude Fahmidul. he is talented, but we wanted to give him more time. Bangladesh has a match at home in June, and we may see him on the field soon.``