Bangladesh's preparations for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers have been thrown into uncertainty on the eve of the team's departure for Uzbekistan, with the federation's decision to cancel a scheduled press conference fuelling speculation over the status of head coach Gerard Jones.
The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) was due to hold a press conference at its headquarters on Tuesday afternoon, a day before the U-20 team is scheduled to leave for Uzbekistan.
However, the media department cancelled the event shortly before it was due to begin, citing “unavoidable circumstances”.
The sudden cancellation has raised questions over Jones' position following a series of incidents during the team's preparations. The BFF has not officially made any announcement regarding the reason for cancelling the press conference or the fate of the English coach.
Jones, who holds a UEFA A Licence, was appointed on a two-year contract in June. His short spell in charge has been overshadowed by several controversies, including public complaints about the team's working conditions and a reported altercation with a member of his coaching staff.
During an earlier training camp in Jashore, Jones complained on social media about unpaid wages and what he described as inadequate security. His decision to make the issues public reportedly caused discomfort within the federation.
Tensions escalated recently as Jones and assistant coach Atiqur Rahman Meshu were reportedly involved in a heated argument that allegedly turned physical. Jones subsequently called the national emergency service 999, bringing police to the team hotel.
He later posted a video on Facebook in which he claimed he had been physically assaulted at his workplace and said he did not feel safe. Jones also alleged that he had submitted a written complaint to the BFF, along with photographs of injuries, but had not received adequate assistance from the federation.
The latest developments have left the U-20 camp in a state of uncertainty just days before Bangladesh begin their qualifying campaign. The team is scheduled to leave for Uzbekistan on Wednesday, with the AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers set to run from August 31 to September 6.
