Aminul enraged by nightclub incident, threatens to cut duo's sports card allowance

Bangladesh footballers Saad Uddin and Sohel Rana Junior could lose their state sports allowances after an investigation was launched into allegations that the pair visited a nightclub following the team's humiliating 9-2 defeat to Indonesia in the FIFA ASEAN Cup on October 1.

A photograph posted by an Indonesian woman on social media spread rapidly in the aftermath of the match, sparking widespread anger across the country at a moment when the team's heavy defeat had already drawn heavy criticism.

Both players have denied the allegations, insisting the photograph is old and bears no connection to any incident following the Indonesia match, though the explanation has done little to calm public anger over the episode.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Adviser Aminul Haque expressed open frustration with the controversy while speaking at a reception for Asian Games wushu medallist Jinnat Akter at the National Sports Council (NSC) Tower on Sunday, confirming an investigation was already under way.

"The football result was already very poor. On top of that, this allegation has emerged. I am extremely disappointed. We are also looking into who was in charge of the team or management at the time," he said.

Aminul made clear that disciplinary consequences would follow if the claims against the pair are substantiated, directly linking any proven wrongdoing to their continued eligibility for government financial support.

"I am making it clear that if the allegation that they went to a nightclub is proven, action will certainly be taken for breaching discipline. And if they are part of the sports allowance programme, that will also be cancelled," he said.

He confirmed discussions were ongoing with the Bangladesh Football Federation, though its president Tabith Awal remains out of the country for now.

"I have spoken to him. When he returns, we will work on the remaining issues. An investigation committee has already been formed," Aminul said.

The adviser added that the inquiry would extend beyond the specific allegation itself, examining the broader context of how such an incident could occur immediately after such a damaging result on the pitch.

"We will also seriously examine how they dared to do such a thing after such a performance. The entire matter will be investigated impartially," he said