Transfer bans threaten Kings, Abahani’s AFC hopes

Bashundhara Kings and Abahani Limited could miss out on the 2026-27 AFC Challenge League after running into difficulties in securing AFC club licences due to FIFA-imposed transfer bans.

Last season, despite finishing second and third in the Bangladesh Football League (BFL), Abahani and Kings represented the country in the AFC Challenge League because champions Mohammedan failed to meet the mandatory licensing requirement.

This time, however, the scenario has changed. Both Kings and Abahani are currently under FIFA transfer bans, casting doubt over their eligibility for continental competition.

Following a letter from the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), eight clubs -- including Kings and Abahani -- expressed interest in obtaining AFC club licences by the December 28 deadline, with Fakirerpool Young Men’s Club and Arambagh KS opting out. The BFF began the licensing process on January 1, setting March 31 as the deadline for document submission.

Under AFC rules, BFL champions are nominated for the AFC Challenge League only if they hold an AFC club licence. If not, the opportunity passes to the next-placed teams, again subject to licensing approval.

With Bangladesh’s three leading clubs -- Kings, Abahani and Mohammedan -- all under transfer bans, the door could open for newer clubs to feature in Asia’s third-tier competition, provided they secure AFC licences.

However, there remains a narrow window for the banned clubs.

“Clubs under FIFA transfer bans can take part in the licensing process, but must clear their overdue payables before March 31,” said BFF competition manager Zaber Bin Taher Ansary. “If the bans are lifted before that date, they will become eligible.”

At present, uncertainty persists. Kings were handed bans for three registration windows following eight cases, with the latest imposed on November 12, 2025, while Abahani received theirs on November 24. Mohammedan were banned earlier on October 29 due to a single unresolved payment issue.

On the field, Bashundhara Kings are joint leaders with Fortis FC after the first phase of the BFL, followed by Rahmatganj, Bangladesh Police, Abahani and Mohammedan.