Close to 45 teams from four districts are taking part in the Bhutan Football Federation’s (BFF) District League this time. The tournament is the country’s lowest division football league where teams compete in their respective district for promotion to the next division league, the Bhutan Super League.
In Thimphu, the league kicked off last weekend with 11 teams. The other participating districts are Paro, Punakha, and Sarpang.
“It used to be called as B-League and was one of the oldest leagues in the country. And the clubs involved are also one of the oldest teams run by a group of passionate football enthusiasts,” said Phuntsho Wangdi, the Head of Commercial and Communication with the BFF.
In Paro, with the league underway since last month, the competition has reached its quarter-finals. 14 teams registered for the tournament.
Similarly, in Punakha, eight teams are taking part while Sarpang has 10 teams. The league in these two districts is in its first round.
Meanwhile, Chhukha has not been able to start the League although it initially registered for the tournament with the BFF. According to the coordinator, nine teams had registered.
“I think, we won’t be able to conduct the district league in Phuentshogling as we did not get the clearance from the Dzongkhag Task Force and the Thromde as of today. Given the fact that Phuentshogling is near the border areas and we have to respect their decision. It is very disappointing for us too as we expected good teams from Phuentshogling,” added Phuntsho Wangdi.
However, the BFF official said it will not have any major impact on the Bhutan Super League and the Bhutan Premier League.
The winners of the District League from their respective districts (four) will qualify for the Bhutan Super League scheduled to commence next month.
Passang Dorji
