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Bangladesh will replace India in the ASEAN Cup after FIFA and the tournament organisers approved the country’s participation, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) confirmed.
India had been scheduled to compete in the tournament but withdrew after deciding to play Brazil during the September international window.
Bangladesh was subsequently approached by FIFA to see whether it was interested in participating.
The BFF’s National Team Committee approved the proposal at an emergency meeting last Friday. The federation had since been awaiting FIFA’s formal approval, which has now been granted.
The tournament will be held in Indonesia from September 24 to October 6 under FIFA’s supervision for the first time.
Bangladesh is expected to take India’s place in Group A, alongside hosts Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
Head coach Thomas Doley has also agreed to participate in the tournament. The BFF will not incur any expenses for Bangladesh’s participation.
The tournament offers prize money worth several crore taka for the champions, with additional financial rewards for reaching and winning a semi-final.