The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) finally got a monetary boost as the Association of Bankers, Bangladesh Limited (ABBD) and the Finance Ministry together promised to provide Tk 20 crore for the betterment of the game.

The promise from the two institutions came after relentless pursuing by the BFF over the last one-and-a-to convince finance minster Abul Mal Abdul Muhith, who virtually convinced the ABBD to come forward to help football.

BFF president Kazi Salahuddin yesterday sat with the high-ups of ABBD, who made the promise after the meeting.

“It has been possible due to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and finance minister Abul Mal Abdul Muhith. The bankers' association will provide Tk 18 crore, out of which Tk 14 crore will come from private banks and Tk 4 crore from the government banks, while Tk 2 crore will be provided by the finance ministry,” said BFF general secretary Abu Nayeem Shohag, adding that the bankers association yesterday handed over a check of Tk 2 crore to Salahuddin.

The money will be spend under various fields including wages of foreign coaches, the national team, the BFF academy, women's football, domestic tournaments and due payments of Bangabandhu Gold Cup.

“They will provide the money in phases over the next one year,” said Shohag, adding that the ABBD would take further decisions whether to continue after analysing the output of the first year.