There is a glaring contrast between the Asian Football Confederation’s corporate dream and the structural realities of the tournament in Australia
Just over a year ago, 18 senior players from the Bangladesh women’s national team threatened to retire from international football in protest of their alleged treatment by their head coach.
In an emotional media conference, captain Sabina Khatun stood in front of a tangle of microphones – in an image reminiscent of Lydia Williams when the Matildas went on strike in 2015 – to accuse Peter Butler of verbal abuse, body shaming, mental harassment, and inappropriate comments about their private lives.
The players had raised their complaints privately months earlier, but with no resolution or action from the national federation, they collectively decided to front the media and share their experiences.
An internal investigation by the federation cleared Butler of wrongdoing, claiming there had been a “misunderstanding”, while new contracts were offered to the boycotting players. Butler remains the head coach of the side, and Khatun, along with other senior players, were not selected for the Women’s Asian Cup squad.
