BFF president Kazi Salahuddin (L) and Channel 9 managing director Enayetur Rahman exchange the MoU papers. Photo: Courtesy

The Bangabandhu Gold Cup International Football Tournament finally gathered the desired momentum after cash-strapped Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) signed a 30 crore taka five-year deal with Channel 9 yesterday.
According to a MoU signed at the BFF House, the private satellite cannel will pay taka six crore for each of the five editions of the tournament, which will be held in January every year. Channel 9 will hold the exclusive TV and sponsorship rights of a tournament which is expected to feature six teams, including the hosts in next January's inaugural edition.  
BFF president Kazi Salahuddin and Enayetur Rahman, managing director of Channel 9, signed the deal on behalf of their respective organisations, overcoming the last obstacle in BFF's pursuit to give the country's footballers and fans a taste of international flavour at least once a year.
 “It is a good day for the BFF and I want to thank Channel 9, who first propositioned me to sponsor the Bangabandhu Gold Cup. This type of tournament is not being held these days because of the players' commitments to the professional football league and the schedules of the AFC and FIFA.
However, the participating teams have promised us to take part in the Bangabandhu Gold Cup every January. That's why we have signed a five-year deal with Channel 9,” explained BFF president Kazi Salahuddin, adding that they will also have the sole right of gate money.   
Of the five invited teams, Singapore and Malaysia officially confirmed their Olympic and national football teams respectively, while Thailand, Laos and Bahrain have verbally confirmed their participation. The BFF is also in deep touch with Qatar and Pakistan in case any team pulls out.
Apart from Singapore, Bahrain are also expected to send their Olympic team as at that time Bahrain national team will be busy with the Asia Cup in Australia while Thailand and Laos are expected to send their senior sides, informed BFF general secretary Abu Nayeem Shohag, adding that they are still planning to hold the tournament in Dhaka and Sylhet.
“We have grown interest in football after beaming the matches of ISL (Indian Super League) live in Bangladesh and we are hoping that Bangabandhu Gold Cup will be watched in 50 countries,” said Channel 9 MD Enayetur Rahman, adding that they would soon contact broadcasters outside the country.
Enayetur also said that they have a plan to bring the Bangabandhu Gold Cup outside the country to Thailand or Malaysia as both of the countries showed a positive attitude to host the Gold Cup every alternate year.