State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque has issued a pointed warning to Bangladesh's national footballers over their continued participation in local "khyap" tournaments, questioning why players already receiving a monthly government allowance still feel the need to turn out for unofficial district level matches.
Speaking on August 10, 2026, as chief guest at a football tournament organised by sports journalists in Kalshi, the former Bangladesh captain said he had personally witnessed current national team players competing in khyap matches in Tangail and Jhenaidah.
"The government is already paying footballers Tk 100,000 every month. Even after receiving that allowance, why should they go and play khyap football?" he said.
Playing in local exhibition tournaments for extra income has long been common among Bangladeshi footballers, even those already drawing salaries from their clubs and allowances from the state.
Several current internationals, including Shekh Morsalin, Rakib Hossain and Foysal Ahmed, have reportedly appeared in such matches across different districts in recent weeks, reigniting a debate that has simmered around the practice for years.
Beyond questions of professionalism, the minister pointed to the physical risk involved. Khyap matches are typically played on grounds that fall well short of professional standards, meaning even a routine knock carries the potential to rule a player out of upcoming national team or club commitments.
Aminul was direct about what he made of the trend: "It reflects a lack of commitment, both to the country and to themselves."
Despite the strength of his comments, Aminul stopped short of threatening immediate sanctions. He said he had not yet discussed the matter with the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) president but intended to do so within days.
"Our initial approach is to issue a warning, and only after that will we consider taking further action," he said.
BFF president Tabith Awal was also asked about the issue. Responding to journalists a day earlier, he initially struck a cautious tone, saying, "If such an issue comes before us, we will examine it seriously. If the allegations are found to be true, we will take the necessary action."
However, despite mounting criticism within football circles over players turning out on muddy pitches with substandard balls, Tabith made clear the federation had no plans to launch an investigation of its own accord. "No one has submitted any complaint to us that national team or club players are playing elsewhere. At this stage, I do not want to make any advance comment. We want to follow the proper process," he said.