Before Wednesday’s Federation Cup final, Bashundhara Kings squad were split into two groups: one set on boycotting the match over unpaid wages, and the other determined to defend the title.
Despite the internal tension, they arrived late at Bashundhara Kings Arena and reported to the match commissioner an hour behind schedule. Once on the pitch, however, Kings delivered a strong performance, inspired by a hat-trick from Brazilian forward Dorielton Gomes, who led a come-from-behind 3–2 win over Mohammedan Sporting Club to secure their third trophy of the season.
Even after clinching the Federation Cup -- their fifth in seven seasons -- the entire squad refused to receive the trophy from the guests in protest over unpaid wages, leaving head coach BA Jubair Nipu to collect it alone on the podium.
The country’s dominant force in recent years, Kings have been struggling to clear wages for both local and foreign players since last season. The situation has also led FIFA to impose 11 registration bans on the serial winners, who have collected six Bangladesh Football League titles, five Federation Cups, three Independence Cups and two Challenge Cup trophies in just seven seasons.
“We may have salary pending, but we are professional footballers always ready to give 100 percent,” captain Topu Barman told The Daily Star, adding it would have been “unfortunate” not to play the final.
Dorielton has been central to Kings’ success this season, scoring 12 of their 17 Federation Cup goals while also topping the Bangladesh Football League scoring chart with 17 goals. The 36-year-old forward has been the only exception among players reportedly affected by the payment issues, with management continuing to clear his dues.
“Although it has been a team success, I want to keep Dori ahead of all players because he unbelievably struck nearly 30 goals this season,” said Topu, referring to last season’s struggles in attack due to the absence of a natural number nine.
Despite 11 months of unpaid wages, a brief training boycott, and the absence of foreign players and coach Mario Gomes, the squad maintained their commitment, with coaching staff continuing to motivate them with assurances of eventual payment. The players are now set to meet the Bashundhara Group chairman in today’s meeting in hopes of clearing all outstanding wages, including dues from last season.
According to a club official, players are owed nearly 50 per cent of their current season salaries and another 50 per cent from last season, while foreign players’ and coaching staff dues stand at approximately Tk 12–13 crore, taking total liabilities to around Tk 20–22 crore.
There are whispers that Kings may be unwilling to clear FIFA-imposed bans by settling a large portion of the dues owed to foreign players and staff due to financial constraints, potentially affecting their participation in top-tier football. If the bans are not lifted, the club will be ineligible for domestic competitions next season.
“I don’t know about the impact of FIFA registration bans… but I think Kings must stay in the domestic circuit for the sake of football’s development,” said Topu, stressing the importance of their facilities for national players who represent the club.
