Brazil football team. Photo: Reuters
Football

Brazil could play in Bangladesh as delegation arrives to inspect National Stadium

Sports Desk

A Brazilian delegation is set to arrive in Dhaka on Sunday to inspect the National Stadium, opening up the possibility of a friendly against the five time world champions in Bangladesh, though officials stress nothing has been confirmed yet.

The visit follows Brazil's scheduled friendly against India in Kolkata on October 3. With the delegation already touring facilities in India, their decision to extend the trip to Dhaka has sparked fresh speculation among Bangladeshi football circles.

It cannot be said right now whether Brazil will play. Let them come first. Let them see the field and other facilities. Perhaps after that they will inform us what they want to do.
Iqbal Hossain, BFF Grounds Committee chairman

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) Grounds Committee chairman Iqbal Hossain confirmed the delegation's arrival, saying representatives would tour the National Stadium in the afternoon.

"Several representatives of the Brazilian Football Confederation will come to Dhaka in the afternoon. We will take them to the National Stadium in the afternoon," he said.

Asked why a team travelling to India would also visit Bangladesh, Hossain admitted the federation had no clear answer yet.

He said the Brazilian representatives would first pay a courtesy visit to BFF president Tabith Awal, with bilateral discussions on football ties expected to follow.

Speaking separately, Hossain said it remained too early to confirm any match. "It cannot be said right now whether Brazil will play. Let them come first. Let them see the field and other facilities. Perhaps after that they will inform us what they want to do," he said.

Bangladesh's interest in hosting Brazil comes alongside a separate footballing boost, with the country set to feature in the FIFA ASEAN Cup after India's withdrawal opened up a spot in the tournament.

The country last hosted a marquee friendly in September 2011, when Lionel Messi's Argentina beat Nigeria 3-1 at the then Bangabandhu National Stadium.

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