Coach Butler faces surgery for liver illness, leaving women’s football team uncertain ahead of Singapore tour
The Bangladesh women’s football team will play two friendly matches against Singapore in the first week of December. But head coach Peter Butler is physically unwell, which has created uncertainty over who will coach the team, including Rituparna and her teammates, in Singapore.
A liver problem has been detected in Peter Butler. According to people connected with the Bangladesh women’s football team, a fairly serious illness has appeared. Butler will have to undergo surgery. Returning to the field after surgery is a time-consuming matter. As a result, his presence to manage the Bangladesh team’s matches in Singapore in December is very unlikely.
Mahfuza Akter Kiran, chairperson of the BFF women’s wing, said, “Butler is in England because of his illness. Realistically, it is not possible for him to be there for the Singapore matches. At this time, there is hardly any alternative besides the technical director (Saiful Bari Titu). He may be in charge in Singapore.”
Peter Butler’s contract with the BFF ends in December. This time Bangladesh played in the main round of the Asia Cup for the first time. However, the team failed to retain the SAFF football title. It also could not perform well at the Asian Games. Altogether, Butler’s performance is quite questionable.
With his physical illness added to that, is Butler’s Bangladesh chapter coming to an end? In answer to that question, Kiran said, “The federation has a contract with Butler until December. Someone else may be given responsibility for the Singapore matches. After that, the federation will take the next decision according to the situation.”
The Bangladesh women’s football team is training in Chattogram for the two friendly matches in Singapore. It is due to come to Dhaka next week. After the SAFF tournament ends, the players may train at the National Stadium. Abul Hossain is currently coaching the women’s football team.
