Sacked former coach Lodewijk De Kruif is all but confirmed to return to the charge of Bangladesh national football team for the Bangabadhu Cup international tournament in January, said the officials on Sunday. The Dutchman is expected to arrive on January 3 provided the Bangladesh Football Federation clears some of his unpaid wages it owed to him for his service in the previous term.
The BFF sacked Kruif unceremoniously in October accusing him of negligence of duties. His dismissal came after Kruif had threatened to take the matter of his unpaid wages to FIFA.
Both parties reached an amicable solution in the end leaving the door open for a possible return. Kruif left with four months of unpaid wages, which, the BFF had promised to clear in a certain period.
Interim coach Saiful Bari recently requested to BFF to replace him with a foreign coach for the Bangabadhu Cup and the BFF said it has no better alternative than Kruif.
BFF general secretary Abu Nayeem Shohag said they will finalise his fresh appointment by December 31.
The six-nation Bangabandhu Cup is scheduled on January 15-27, though the BFF is yet to finalise the all six teams.
Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Bahrain Under-23 team have all confirmed their participation alongside hosts Bangladesh, but the BFF is still struggling with the sixth team.
Both Pakistan and Maldives have turned down BFF’s invitation.
-With New Age input
