Saff Debacle Probe
Committee recommends punishment for Zahid
The fact-finding committee, formed to probe SAFF football debacle, in its report on Saturday has recommended that fitness trainer Yamali Mohammet and winger Zahid Hasan should be punished for their part in the competition.
The committee, headed by Bangladesh Football Federation vice-president Badal Roy, handed over its report to BFF president Kazi Salahuddin in the afternoon after 10 days of hectic work that included the interviews of 35 individuals.
The committee found winger Zahid Hossain to have shown gross negligence and short in his commitment to the team not just during this tournament but also in the past. It also took cognisance of Zahid’s apparent failure to appear before the committee for an interview.
Although the committee did not mention any specific punishment, its chief Badal indicated that they are in favour of banning the otherwise talented winger both from the national team and domestic football.
Zahid’s activities were mysterious. He was irregular in training, avoided his duties and failed to perform which disappointed the nation greatly. His way of response to the fact-finding committee was also very disrespectful,’ Badal Roy said in a statement at a press conference on Saturday.
‘Such an irresponsible player is not helpful for the team; rather he is harmful for the team. Hence we recommend a severe punishment for Zahid,’ said an unsympathetic Badal.
The fact-finding body also blamed captain Mamunul Islam, Sohel Rana and Shakhwat Hossain Rony for not giving their hundred per cent in the tournament.
The committee was particularly harsh on Turkey-based Dutch fitness trainer Yamali Mohammet and recommended that he be dismissed immediately for his faulty training method that was blamed for the players’ fatigue and injuries, two major reasons behind the disappointing performance in Kathmandu.
Yamali was appointed in July on a four-month deal following the recommendation of coach Lodewijk De Kruif, who was found to have shown some indifference to the cause of the team. The BFF has been asked to issue a warning to him.
Badal Roy’s committee also found some flaws in goalkeeping coach Keel Kalk’s activity and recommended for him to be warned.
‘The goalkeeper had committed mistakes in the last two matches. Goalkeeping coach Kees Kalk cannot avoid his responsibility. But since his appointment is a short-term one, he can be only warned,’ said Badal.
‘Clubs should take proper steps to make their players and teams more competitive. A combination of club training and national team training is also required for developing the game. The BFF should take this thing into consideration seriously,’ observed Badal.
The committee also suggested to reduce the foreign player’s quota gradually from seven to two in the domestic league to give more space to the local players to perform better.
‘A pool of 20-25 players could be formed for the national team and they should be given monthly salary and insurance coverage which would encourage the players to give their hundred percent for the national team,’ said Badal in his written statement.
-With New Age input
