BFF partners with DOUR for national team kits

Bangladesh football has officially entered the era of kit sponsorship, with the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) securing a deal with local sports brand DOUR.

The two-year agreement, signed at the BFF headquarters on 11 February, marks the first time all men's and women's senior and junior national teams will have an official kit sponsor.

BFF President Tabith Awal expressed confidence in the partnership, saying the selection process considered weather conditions, stitching quality, and durability. "We want Bangladesh's name to be recognised globally. Playing in a Bangladeshi brand's kit will also bring attention from international clubs and teams," he said.

The federation is also planning to sell national team jerseys commercially. "We will make jerseys available for purchase, both online and through retail stores," Awal added before leaving the event.

Bangladeshi manufacturers supply kits for several international teams, but BFF opted for DOUR, a relatively new brand that launched during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

BFF vice-president and marketing committee chairman Fahad Karim explained the decision, saying, "We evaluated their capabilities, enthusiasm, and quality. We did not compromise on standards. Over the past two months, both the women's national team and a club have tested these jerseys with positive feedback. While the contract is for two years, we will review the deal after one year before confirming the extension."

The federation had considered offers from three other companies, including two foreign brands. However, BFF was keen on selecting a "made-in-Bangladesh" brand, making DOUR's proposal the most attractive option.

DOUR's CEO, Abid Alam Chowdhury, was delighted at the opportunity. "We are committed to quality. A Bangladeshi-origin designer is working on the jerseys, which will incorporate elements of Bangladesh's heritage," he said.

BFF believes the deal will not only ensure quality kits but also save the federation approximately one crore taka annually. Additionally, a revenue-sharing model has been agreed upon, meaning BFF will earn a share from commercial jersey sales.

Leicester City's Hamza Choudhury playing in Bangladesh's jersey would significantly boost its popularity. When asked if BFF's revenue share was proportionate given the potential rise in demand, Fahad Karim confirmed that commercial sales would include revenue distribution.

As FIFA regulations impose restrictions on sponsorship branding in international matches, BFF will now seek approval from FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). If approved, DOUR's logo will be placed on the kit, with up to eight inches of space allocated for branding.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh women's team will continue to feature the Dhaka Bank logo during training sessions, alongside DOUR's branding. "DOUR will provide the jerseys, and there's no restriction on additional sponsors," Karim clarified.