Bengt Roland Arnqvist, the Swedish consultant sent by FIFA to observe the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship qualifiers, expressed his satisfaction with the local arrangements and the standard of the game on Wednesday.
Arnqvist was surprised to see Iran and Jordan as well as India displaying a good brand of football. ‘Yes, I as surprised to see the standard, it is nice to see that Asian women football is surging ahead, a total of three Asian teams in the FIFA U-17 semi-finals prove the development of Asian football, I think the Asian women will mark their presence in the top level in 5 to 10 years time,’ said Arnqvist.
Arnold was also happy with the pitch and the hosting of the four-nation meet. ‘It is a U-19 level women’s game, but it is televised live and the condition of the pitch is very good, and also the games are being played under floodlights, what more can you expect? Overall the BFF has done a good job,’ added the FIFA consultant.
Arnold was hopeful about Bangladesh women’s football. ‘FIFA is encouraging all the member associations to develop the women’s game, Bangladesh is certainly on the preferred list, the BFF has just to work hard, I think FIFA will always be supporting Bangladesh in its endeavour,’ concluded Arnqvist.
