Daijiworld Media Network - Dhaka
Dhaka, Aug 24: Brazil are exploring the possibility of setting up a training base in Dhaka ahead of their October 3 international friendly against India in Kolkata, with the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) confirming that the option was discussed during a recent visit by a Brazilian delegation.
However, no final decision has been taken on whether the five-time world champions will train in Bangladesh or play a friendly against the hosts.
A five-member delegation from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) arrived in Dhaka on August 23 as part of preparations for Brazil's upcoming Asian tour. The delegation inspected the National Stadium, Bashundhara Kings Arena and several hotels during its visit.
BFF president Tabith Awal told The Daily Star that discussions covered all possible options, including Brazil training in Dhaka and potentially playing Bangladesh before or after their scheduled match against India.
"The answers are yes. We discussed all options," Awal said when asked whether Brazil could train in Dhaka or play a friendly against Bangladesh.
The Brazilian delegation also assessed the condition of the playing surfaces and surrounding facilities and discussed possible cooperation between the two football federations in areas such as infrastructure development, pitch maintenance, coaching, sports science and international friendlies.
Brazil are scheduled to play Australia in Townsville on September 25 and Brisbane on September 29 before travelling to India for the October 3 fixture against the Indian national team at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium.
A training camp in Dhaka could provide Brazil with an alternative base between their Australia matches and the India friendly. However, the discussions are still at an exploratory stage.
According to Awal, the CBF delegation found the pitches at both the National Stadium and Bashundhara Kings Arena to be suitable for the Brazilian team, although improvements would be required to some of the supporting facilities.
"The delegation found the pitches and adjacent areas at both the National Stadium and Bashundhara Kings Arena to be of an acceptable standard for the Brazilian national team, although some improvements are required to additional infrastructure, including dressing rooms, technical staff areas and security at entry and exit gates," Awal said.
Brazil have also been linked with a possible friendly against Bangladesh on October 5 or 6. That possibility, however, could be complicated by Bangladesh's participation in the FIFA ASEAN Cup, which is scheduled to run from September 24 to October 4 in Indonesia.
The Dhaka inspection comes amid concerns over the playing surface at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium, the venue for the October 3 India-Brazil friendly.
The CBF delegation had reportedly raised concerns over thin grass coverage, an uneven surface and turf maintenance at the Kolkata venue. The condition of the pitch has reportedly been viewed as a potential injury concern for Brazil's players, particularly with star names such as Vinicius Jr. expected to be part of the squad.
The pitch issue has added to preparations for a fixture that has already generated significant excitement among Indian football fans.
The proposed match has also triggered a debate over the financial cost of bringing Brazil to Kolkata. Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia had questioned the reported expenditure of Rs 50-70 crore, arguing that such a large amount could instead be used to strengthen Bengal's domestic football structure and grassroots development.
Bhutia also urged supporters to boycott the match in protest over India's withdrawal from the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.
For Bangladesh, a visit by Brazil would be a major event, as the South American giants have never played an international match in the country. A training camp or friendly in Dhaka would therefore generate considerable interest among Bangladeshi football supporters.
For now, however, Brazil's confirmed schedule remains the two matches against Australia followed by the October 3 friendly against India in Kolkata. The possibility of using Dhaka as a training base, or playing Bangladesh, remains under discussion.