Nightclub Controversy
Allowances could be revoked amid involving footballers: Aminul
Collected Photo
Bangladesh's campaign in the FIFA ASEAN Cup ended with a 9-2 defeat to Indonesia. Following the defeat, allegations emerged that two Bangladesh footballers, Saad Uddin and Sohel Rana Junior, had visited a nightclub. An official investigation into the allegations is now underway.
Youth and Sports State Minister Aminul Haque expressed his deep disappointment and anger over the controversy. Speaking Sunday at a reception for Jinnat Akter, a wushu medalist at the Asian Games, at the National Sports Council Tower, he said, “The football team's performance was already very poor. On top of that, these allegations have emerged. I am extremely disappointed. We are also looking into who was responsible for the team and its management at the time.”
The Ministry of Youth and Sports organized the reception for Jinnat Akter, who won a medal for Bangladesh in an individual event at the Asian Games. The athlete, who won a bronze medal in the 52-kilogram wushu category, was also awarded Tk 100,000. While praising her accomplishment , Aminul Haque expressed his anger over the nightclub controversy involving the two footballers.
“I want to make it clear that if the allegations that they went to a nightclub are proven, action will definitely be taken against them for breaching discipline. And if either of them is covered by the sports allowance program, that allowance will also be canceled,” Aminul said.
Citing that his ministry was working in coordination with the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), the sports minister said, “I have spoken with the BFF president. He is currently out of the country. We will work on the remaining issues after he returns. An investigation committee has been formed. We will also seriously examine how they had the audacity to do such a thing after such a poor performance. The entire matter will be investigated impartially.”
A woman named Elena from Indonesia posted a photo on social media showing the two footballers at “The H” nightclub. In the photo, Bangladesh players Saad Uddin and Sohel Rana are seen smiling between three young women. One of the women is seen with her arm around Saad.
The image clearly appears to have been taken in a bar or nightclub setting, sparking strong anger among football fans.
Fans believe that while the team was struggling badly on the field, the footballers were enjoying themselves afterward. However, the players reportedly claim that the photo was taken in Nepal, not Jakarta. There is no branch of “The H” nightclub in Nepal, however.
