Controversy, questions of professionalism, and allegations of arbitrariness continue to haunt the head coach of Bangladesh’s women’s national football team, British tactician Peter Butler. His tenure has long been a source of debate, but tensions resurfaced after Bangladesh secured consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship titles, only for 18 players to reportedly express dissent against his methods. Although intervention by the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) eased some friction, five of the championship-winning players have not received a call-up to the national team since.
Among those seemingly excluded—possibly due to Butler’s personal grievances—are Sabina Khatun, Masura Parvin, Matsushima Sumaiya, Krishna Rani, and Sanjida Akter. These five players were instrumental in securing Bangladesh’s first-ever futsal trophy, highlighting the apparent disconnect between merit and selection.
While the senior national team prepared for the upcoming Asian Cup, Butler assumed responsibility for the Under-19 SAFF squad. Bangladesh suffered a 4–0 defeat in the final, yet Butler refrained from attending the post-match press conference. He later issued a brief statement to the media, attributing the loss to player fatigue:
“The girls were physically and mentally exhausted. In my assessment, they were not in the right condition, although I tried to keep them refreshed prior to the match.”
Football analysts argue that such behaviour is consistent with Butler’s history: taking credit when the team wins, but shifting responsibility onto players following defeats. Critics have questioned the logic behind blaming fatigue, particularly when the same opponent had been defeated convincingly just three days prior.
Last year, Bangladesh had impressed at the Asian Cup qualifiers in Myanmar, earning a historic place in the tournament proper. In the upcoming main event, the team will face Asia’s strongest sides:
| Opponent | Titles Won | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| China | 9 | Nine-time champions, perennial powerhouse |
| North Korea | 3 | Three-time champions, historically strong |
| Uzbekistan | 0 | Emerging team, yet to win titles |
Despite the national team’s preparations, Butler prioritised youth success in Nepal, overlooking experienced players in the preliminary squad. Even form players like Sabina Khatun and Masura Parvin were omitted, while Sweden-based Anika Rania Siddiqui was selected after only a few hours of trials.
Upon returning to Dhaka, Butler will resume duties with the senior team, focusing on preparing players such as Afida, Maria, and Tahura for their mission against Australia. However, observers warn that his inconsistent and seemingly capricious approach could undermine Bangladesh’s performance at the Asian Cup.
As the nation watches, the broader question remains: can a team’s potential truly flourish under a coach whose decisions often spark controversy, overshadowing merit and experience? The spotlight now falls not only on the players but also on Butler’s leadership and its impact on the future of women’s football in Bangladesh.