Crisis within: How will BFF respond?

Bangladesh's underwhelming performance in their 1-0 defeat to Malaysia in the opening match of the Tri-Nation Series, also involving Azerbaijan, has raised a serious concern -- whether the poor display stemmed from on-field lapses or from issues unfolding off the pitch.

These questions surfaced because of the points made by head coach Peter Butler during the post-match press conference at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Wednesday. Butler claimed there were "characters within the side who are trying to disrupt the camp."

Such comments carry weight, especially coming from the man who overcame significant odds and internal allegations to guide the women in red and green to a historic first-ever qualification for the AFC Women's Asian Cup last July. This is the same group of players who recently toppled strong opponents like Myanmar, Bahrain, and Turkmenistan to secure their place among Asia's elite -- but have since looked out of sorts and lacking confidence.

Their performance against Malaysia was a stark contrast to those qualifying displays. The team showed no urgency, cohesion, or understanding throughout the match.

Butler has excluded several senior influential players from the squad following a revolt in late January involving 16 players. Five senior players from that lot will not be called back to his team, Butler made it clear recently, after questions about reinstating them came up in recent media briefings. 

This ongoing dispute has raised serious concerns about team unity and harmony, especially with preparations for the continental tournament having begun in late September. Recent friendly results have also delivered a harsh reality check. Bangladesh suffered heavy defeats to Thailand – 3-0 and 5-1 – in Bangkok, and their struggles continued in the Tri-Nation Series, part of the final build-up to the Women's Asian Cup.

Butler further claimed that some of his current players are "good friends" with those excluded and suggested he would not take "responsibility for people trying to upset the apple cart outside."

While tactical shortcomings -- including a high defensive line, failure to convert chances, and recurring defensive errors -- remain issues, Butler indicated that the deeper crisis is one of intention and discipline. These are areas the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) must address urgently.

BFF women's wing chairman Mahfuza Akter Kiron said she would "sit with players and the coach separately" to address the matter. If unresolved, such internal disruptions could severely damage the team's preparations, create factions within the squad, fracture trust, reduce commitment and motivation, and risk a complete collapse -- with the major Asian championship just three months away.