Only Arambagh and Farashganj settled the issue previously but the top five, being cautious mostly about checking foreign players, have kept the federation waiting till the last moment.

Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra, billed as a contender among the 11 teams, went to trade yesterday when they registered 22 booters including five Moroccan players.

With local players' contract all but secured, the heavyweights, however, were sweating over their foreign collection as their ITCs (International Transfer Certificate) have yet to arrive.

Sheikh Russel are apparently in no trouble with the papers of defender Burdeep, midfielders Egir and Saad and forwards Younes and Khobashi but other teams are having tense time.

Abahani, reportedly the top-budgeted club, are in great danger as none of their three Argentine imports are guaranteed to start in tomorrow's opening match against Muktijoddha Sangsad, who are the strongest team on paper.

The sky-blues officials expected the ITCs of defender Mariano Carlos Caporale, midfielder Mariano Cesar Sanchez and striker Hector Hernando Parodi to arrive soon but they were uncertain whether the papers would be in hand in time.

"We are in constant touch with the Argentine FA. We have a person taking care of the business there and hope that the necessary documents will arrive in 24 hours," told manager Satyajit Das Rupu adding that they are satisfied with all three booters, brought by their Argentine coach Diego Cruciani, who was also the ex-national coach of Bangladesh.

Clubs who have appealed for foreign player registration through the Bangladesh Football Federation, can register the footballers but they will not be able to play until the ITCs are in hand.

Muktijoddha have decided to go into the inaugural Professional Football League with just two foreigners, their good old Charles Ghansah of Ghana and Moroccan attacking midfielder Brahim.

"We will register 23 players tomorrow including two foreigners, it has been decided," informed coach Abu Yusuf yesterday.

The Reds have retained their strength from last season as well as roping in more seasoned players from the national team.

Mohammedan, who have frustrated their huge fans by failing to build a strong team, will add six Nigerians to their moderate local collection in a bid to accept the challenge.

Black and whites coach Shafiqul Islam Manik, who has been training for long with five foreigners, said that last year's striker Emeka will be included in their 23-member squad. The other foreigners are goalkeeper Paul, defender Peter, midfielders Divine and Francis and strikers Paul Nwakuchu and Emeka.

The most successful team of the last two seasons, Brothers Union, are still struggling to pick their lot.

"We have six players with us but only one is proven. Moroccan Hicham Inani has played for us previously and we are certain about him. We will pick two or three more but have yet to decided," said newlywed club manager Amer Khan.

Three Nigerians and one each from Uganda and Ghana are now training with the Oranges under guidance of Indian coach Syed Nayeemuddin.