What began as a much-hyped celebration of footballing ties between Bangladesh and Latin America has ended in embarrassment and chaos. Even days after the Latin-Bangla Super Cup was abruptly suspended, several members of the visiting Argentine and Brazilian clubs remain stranded in Dhaka due to unresolved travel arrangements. Amid allegations of mismanagement, unpaid bills, and broken commitments by the organizers, the situation has not only disrupted foreign teams but also raised serious questions about professionalism in hosting international football events in Bangladesh.

The situation escalated after the tournament’s final, scheduled for 11 December at the National Stadium between Atlético Charlone of Argentina and São Bernardo of Brazil, was canceled. Following the suspension, both foreign teams found themselves unable to leave Bangladesh on their scheduled return flights on 12 December, reportedly due to unpaid air tickets and hotel bills by the organizers.

São Bernardo head coach Edson expressed deep frustration over the ordeal. While praising the warmth and hospitality of the Bangladeshi people, he criticized the organizers for their lack of seriousness and communication. According to Edson, the Brazilian team discovered that their return tickets had been canceled only when they attempted to check in at the airport. With no solution forthcoming, the club was forced to purchase new tickets at a high cost. The coach also revealed that he had lodged complaints with the Brazilian ambassador and football authorities back home, adding that the team would “think twice” before coming to Bangladesh again.

Amid the chaos, reports emerged that some São Bernardo’ Some players had already left Dhaka after their club arranged alternative travel due to their upcoming matches. Others are still awaiting renewed tickets. Similar uncertainty surrounded the Argentine club, which also remained confined to their hotel for days after the tournament’s collapse.

The controversy further deepened with accusations against the event’s promoter, AF Boxing Promotion International Limited, whose managing director Mohammad Asaduzzaman has been accused of misleading clubs and fans alike. Following incidents of disorder and alleged physical harassment of journalists at the National Stadium by private security personnel, the National Sports Council (NSC) canceled the venue allocation, effectively ending the tournament.

The fallout also affected Bangladeshi expatriate players Kasper Haque and Ibrahim Nawaz, who featured for Red and Green Future Stars. Despite arriving at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday for their Qatar Airways flight to England, they were unable to depart as their tickets turned out to be unconfirmed bookings.

Speaking on the issue, BFF General Secretary Imran Hossain Tushar said the players were initially provided with an itinerary, not confirmed air tickets. He explained that the responsibility for arranging travel lay primarily with the tournament promoter, AF Boxing Promotion International, and that while arrival tickets had been managed, return tickets were never finalized. Tushar added that after repeated delays and assurances from the organizers, BFF decided that either the federation would arrange the tickets directly or reimburse the players if they purchased tickets on their own, assuring that the full amount would be paid back.