New Delhi: Bangladesh women’s football is in crisis after forward Sumaya Matsushima accused head coach Peter Butler of mental harassment and abuse. In an emotional Facebook post, she revealed the struggles she has faced, including threats and intimidation after speaking out. Sumaya, along with 17 teammates, has now boycotted the national team’s training camp, demanding Butler’s removal. Despite the allegations, Butler continues coaching the remaining players, deepening the rift between the squad and the federation.
The controversy stems from last year’s SAFF Women’s Championship, where tensions first arose between Butler and senior players. Complaints were ignored, and Butler was reinstated, leading to further frustration.
Now, with players taking a stand, the issue has gained national attention, sparking debates on athlete welfare, mental health, and power abuse in sports. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has formed a special committee to investigate, but doubts remain over whether meaningful action will be taken.
Footballers demand change amid abuse allegations
The girls of Bangladesh might never think of”conquering the world”again.They won’t actually have that courage.Sumaiya who returned home as champions of SAFF are now being directly threatened with murder and rape in.
After August 5 the rise of extremists has caught our attention. pic.twitter.com/n8uHNSxSkj
— KaniK Deb (@KaniKDeb) February 4, 2025
Sumaya, who has represented Bangladesh in international tournaments, said she fought with her family to pursue football, believing the country would support her. Instead, she claims the system has failed her. She revealed that after speaking up against Butler, she received death and rape threats, leaving her shattered.
Captain Sabina Khatun, along with senior players Sanjida Akter, Masura Parvin, and Monika Chakma, backed Sumaya’s claims. They submitted a three-page letter to the media, detailing the mistreatment they suffered under Butler’s coaching. However, a member of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) committee investigating the issue questioned whether the players had written the letter themselves, suggesting external influence.
The controversy stems from last year’s SAFF Women’s Championship, where tensions first arose between Butler and the senior players. Despite complaints, Butler was reinstated, leading to a full-blown crisis. The BFF has now formed a special committee to address the allegations, but players remain unconvinced that real change will follow.
Sumaya’s message has resonated beyond football, bringing attention to how athletes’ mental health is often overlooked. “No one should go through this just for following their dreams,” she wrote, expressing regret for the sacrifices she made. With pressure mounting, the BFF must now decide whether to back Butler or listen to the voices of their players.
Sumaya Matsushima and 17 teammates boycotted Bangladesh’s training camp, accusing coach Peter Butler of abuse. She revealed facing rape threats after speaking out, sparking national outrage over athlete welfare. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
