FIFA President Gianni Infantino may make a brief stopover in Dhaka on Sunday during his travel to Thimphu, Bhutan. The head of world football’s governing body is scheduled to visit the Bhutanese capital, but due to limited direct flight connections into Thimphu, his itinerary requires a transit stop, with Dhaka, Saidpur, or an Indian location serving as potential route options.
The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has not yet received definitive confirmation regarding whether Infantino will choose Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka for his layover. Despite the uncertainty, the federation has put comprehensive administrative and logistical arrangements in place to ensure a smooth reception if he lands in the capital.
In preparation for the potential high-profile arrival, the BFF General Secretary visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday afternoon. The visit aimed to coordinate swift diplomatic protocols, state security clearances, and expedited immigration formalities so that any layover at the airport proceeds without delay.
Should the FIFA chief remain in the airport’s VIP lounge during his transit, senior officials from the domestic governing body—including the BFF President and Vice-Presidents—plan to meet him in person. The brief audience would offer Bangladeshi football executives an opportunity to exchange pleasantries and discuss regional football development initiatives with the sport’s global chief.
This prospective visit follows Infantino’s previous official trip to Bangladesh in October 2019, when he met with national sports authorities and football administrators as part of an Asian tour. Football officials in Dhaka remain on high alert to welcome the FIFA president should his flight plan confirm a Dhaka touchdown.
