Football is currently the second-most popular sport in Bangladesh, after cricket, and is governed by the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF). An interest in cricket resulting from the nation's success in Test cricket and participation in the Cricket World Cup overshadowed the past fame in the nation's football legacy. However, more football tournaments are being organized in and outside Dhaka than in any other sport, and football fever grips the nation during every FIFA World Cup as well as the Copa America and UEFA European Championship. Federation officials and experts are still hopeful about the development of football in the country within the next ten years, despite huge financial obstacles, inadequate technical adaptation, and a lack of professionalism.
Rural children playing football in a Bangladeshi village
DSA captain Pakhi Sen and Islington Corinthas captain P Clark shake hands just before the match, as referee Khaza Azmal looks on in 1937.
Image: Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Image: M. A. Aziz Stadium 02
Dhaka Wanderers Club is a football team from Dhaka, Bangladesh. They are one of the oldest and most successful clubs in the country. The Wanderers dominated the domestic scene during the 1950s and 60s, and were considered one of the biggest clubs in the subcontinent before Bangladesh gained independence. The Wanderers have seven domestic league titles and were also the runners-up of the Federation Cup in 1987, losing to Mohammedan SC in the finals. Their rivalry with Mohammedan is seen as the first domestic club rivalry in Bangladeshi football history.
1940 Bogura Cup winning Dhaka Wanderers team, captained by Bangabundhu Sheikh Mujibur Rhaman.