Footballer Sumaya files GD over death threat

 
Matsushima Sumaya, a member of Bangladesh's SAFF-winning women's national football team, lodged a General Diary (GD) at Motijheel Police Station in the capital on Wednesday after she reportedly received death and rape threats in recent days.

Media Manager of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) Khaled Mahmud Nowmee was present at the time.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Sumaya expressed her distress: "Over the past few days, I have received countless death and rape threats-words that have shattered me in ways I never imagined."

Her statement comes amid an ongoing dispute between national team players and the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) over the head coach Peter Butler. Eighteen out of 30 national team players, including Sumaya, have boycotted the training camp, demanding Butler's removal.

The English coach, who led the team during their SAFF Women's Championship title defence in Nepal last year, has faced allegations of misconduct. In a three-page statement issued before a press conference at the BFF House on Thursday, senior players, including Sabina Khatun and Sanjida Akhter, accused Butler of "questioning the players' personal lives, misbehaving with them, and dividing the team."

The players also highlighted the uncertainty regarding their status, noting that their contracts were not renewed after October. "As the BFF did not renew our contracts after October, they have no legal grounds to take action against us. Yet, if they consider punishing us and remain adamant about keeping Butler, we will resign together," the letter added.

National women's booters threatened to boycott all football activities and quit the national camp unless the BFF removed head coach Peter Butler. They also threatened to retire if their demands were not met.

Soon after her remark, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) strongly condemned the threats and harassment targeting Sumaya. The BFF said they asked the authorities concerned to take immediate and appropriate action against those responsible.

Meanwhile, the BFF, which formed a seven-member probe committee last Thursday to investigate the complaints of national women's footballers against their British coach Peter Butler, is scheduled to submit its report to the BFF President by Thursday.

Earlier, BFF strongly condemns the threats and harassment targeting Bangladesh Women's National Football Team player Matsushima Sumaya.
In response, BFF will take necessary action against those responsible and urges authorities to take immediate and appropriate action.
No athlete should face abuse for representing their country. BFF remains committed to protecting its players and ensuring their safety."