The Bangladesh Football Federation finally allowed Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club to take part in the Independence Cup which got underway on Friday at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.
The BFF took the decision at an emergency meeting on Friday after Sheikh Jamal agreed to play without setting any pre-condition. Jamal was included as the sixth team in Group A, where they will line up against Mohammedan SC, Chittagong Abahani, Brothers Union, Muktijoddha Sangsad and Uttar Baridhara.
BFF senior vice-president Abdus Salam Murshedy said they included Jamal only after the club agreed to play with eight disputed players.
The High Court on March 28 asked the BFF not to allow the eight players in any club other than Jamal following a writ pretention.
BFF lodged an appeal against the directive and was expecting a decision after the hearing of Supreme Court full bench on Sunday.
Abahani Limited, Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra, Rahmatganj MFS, Team BJMC, Feni Soccer Club and Arambagh Krira Sangha will play in Group B.
Meanwhile, Team BJMC made a winning start to the competition when they defeated Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society by a solitary goal on Friday.
Nigerian striker Eleta Kingsley’s 39th minute strike from a free-kick was enough for BJMC.
Kingsley got an opportunity to extend the lead in the 69th minute from the penalty spot but the Nigerian’s fierce shot was brilliantly saved by Rahmatganj goalkeeper Al-Amin.
Friday’s scheduled second match between Brothers Union and Uttar Baridhara Club was deferred by a day due to the late inclusion of Jamal.
-With New Age input
