They unanimously offered their support for Badal Roy as the president candidate of BFF at a press conference at the National Press Club here on Wednesday.

Captain of the Swadhin Bangla Football team (SBFT)  Zakaria Pintu, Vice-Captain Pratap Sankar Hazra, former footballer cum coach Golam Sarwar Tipu, former national goalkeeper Wahiduzzaman Pintu, national football awardees Kaiser Hamid, Sheikh Mohammad Aslam, Abdul Gaffar, Khurshid Alam Babul, Imtiaz Sultan Jony, Mohammad Arman Miah and Alfaz Ahmed were present there among others.

Former national footballer and president of Sonali Otit Club (Organization of former footballers) Hasanuzzaman Khan Bablu read out a written statement on behalf of the former national footballers at the function.

In the written statement, they criticized the present BFF President Kazi Salahuddin and his committee for his alleged failure to improve the country’s football and guide it in the right way.

Former national footballer cum coach Golam Sarwar Tipu said “I am giving my full support to Badal and suggesting him to keep his stand.”

Imtiaz Sultan Jony appreciated the Badal Roy and said that “At this moment Badal is fighting to survive while at the same time he also fighting to save country’s football and we are with him in this fight.”

Former national defender Kaiser Hamid wanted to make change in BFF president post.

He said “We have seen performances of Salahuddin Bhai for last 12 years, He has totally failed, so anyone should come forward to restore pride of football and Badal da has showed the courage. I hope he can do something better than Salahuddin Bhai”.

Footballer Protap Shankar Hazra said “Salahuddin might be popular as a footballer but not a good organiser. However, it is high time to change BFF leadership.”

Addressing the pressman, Badal Roy said “I took the challenge. I will fight and contest against Kazi Salahuddin.”

He thanked Prime Minister for giving him a new life, “I like to thank my mother Sheikh Hasina, as she has given me a new life. Recently, my doctor declared me fit for work after physical check-up so I have decided to compete in the election.“

Badal Roy thanked all the former players, “I am really grateful to all of my seniors, friends and juniors footballers. They kept their faith on me.”

However, the former footballer drew attention of the Prime Minister and said “Football now is in crisis, we will try to meet Prime Minister to discuss the matter, She likes Football so much. If we can meet with her, Football can revive again.”