Learn about the licensing, structure, and regulatory framework of Mohammedan Sporting Club (MSC) — one of Bangladesh’s oldest football institutions.
Understand how the club operates under Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) and complies with FIFA and AFC club licensing standards. ⚽🇧🇩
🌍 Introduction
Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited is one of the most historic football clubs in South Asia and a registered sports entity in Bangladesh.
Since its founding in 1936, the club has not only excelled on the pitch but also ensured compliance with all relevant sporting, financial, and organizational regulations.
In 2025, Mohammedan continues to operate under the official governance of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), holding all necessary licenses to participate in national and regional football competitions, including the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
🏛️ Club Licensing Overview
Club licensing is a mandatory process established by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to ensure that professional football clubs meet defined standards in management, infrastructure, finance, and legal operations.
Mohammedan SC fulfills these licensing criteria to maintain its eligibility for participation in domestic and international tournaments.
| Regulatory Body | License Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 🏢 Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) | National Club License | Allows participation in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). |
| 🌍 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) | AFC Club License | Eligibility to play in AFC Cup and Asian tournaments. |
| ⚖️ FIFA (via BFF) | Compliance License | Ensures adherence to FIFA statutes and player transfer systems (TMS). |
🧾 Legal Registration of Mohammedan Sporting Club
Mohammedan Sporting Club is a limited company registered under Bangladeshi law and recognized by the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies & Firms (RJSC).
The club operates under a defined constitution, ensuring transparency in governance and accountability in all its activities.
- 🏛️ Registered Name: Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited
- 📅 Established: 1936 (Re-registered post-independence in 1972)
- ⚖️ Corporate Status: Private Sports Limited Company
- 🌐 Governing Body: Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF)
- 📍 Headquarters: Motijheel, Dhaka, Bangladesh
📑 Licensing Requirements for Football Clubs
To maintain its eligibility, Mohammedan SC must meet multiple criteria outlined by FIFA and BFF’s club licensing regulations. These criteria ensure that the club operates professionally and ethically.
| Category | Requirement | Mohammedan’s Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| 🏟️ Infrastructure | Own or lease a stadium meeting BFF standards. | Bangabandhu National Stadium (leased for home matches). |
| 💰 Financial | Submit audited financial statements and no overdue debts. | Fully compliant; audited annually by independent firms. |
| 👨💼 Administrative | Employ licensed coaches, managers, and doctors. | Meets BFF’s staffing and certification standards. |
| ⚖️ Legal | Register as a legal entity with clear ownership. | Registered under Bangladesh law as Mohammedan SC Ltd. |
| 🌱 Youth Development | Maintain youth teams and development programs. | Runs a youth academy with U-15, U-18, and U-21 teams. |
⚙️ Football Governance & Affiliation
Mohammedan SC operates under multiple layers of governance, ensuring transparency and alignment with international football standards.
- ⚽ Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF): Main governing body; oversees licensing, competitions, and club management.
- 🌍 Asian Football Confederation (AFC): Supervises regional competitions and club licensing frameworks.
- 🏆 FIFA: Sets global rules for transfer systems, fair play, and financial conduct.
📊 Mohammedan SC’s License & Competitive Eligibility
In Bangladesh, only BFF-licensed clubs can participate in professional tournaments. Mohammedan’s active licenses allow it to compete at multiple levels.
| License Type | Issued By | Validity | Competitions Eligible |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 National Club License | BFF | 2024–2026 | Bangladesh Premier League, Federation Cup |
| 🌍 AFC Club License | AFC (via BFF) | 2024–2025 | AFC Cup, Asian Club Championships |
| ⚖️ Legal Registration License | RJSC (Bangladesh) | Active | Corporate & commercial operations |
💼 Management & Compliance Structure
Mohammedan SC maintains a formal compliance system to ensure financial integrity and adherence to BFF and FIFA policies.
| Department | Responsibilities | Head of Department |
|---|---|---|
| ⚖️ Legal & Licensing | Handles registration, contracts, and licensing renewals. | Arif Hasan (Club Secretary) |
| 📊 Finance | Manages budgets, audits, and financial compliance. | Mohammad Khalid (Finance Director) |
| 👨🏫 Football Operations | Ensures training and player registration meet standards. | Shafiqul Islam Manik (Head Coach) |
| 🌱 Youth Academy | Develops youth players in alignment with AFC criteria. | Hasan Mahmud (Academy Director) |
🏆 Mohammedan’s Role in Club Licensing Development
As a historic institution, Mohammedan SC has actively contributed to the professionalization of football management in Bangladesh.
The club was among the first to adopt digital licensing procedures, ensuring compliance with the BFF’s Club Licensing Regulations 2020.
- ✅ Early adopter of BFF’s online club licensing platform.
- 💼 Transparent governance with annual reports submitted to the federation.
- 📊 Implementation of internal audit systems and budget planning.
- 🎓 Staff training programs for compliance officers and administrators.
📈 Importance of Club Licensing
Licensing not only legitimizes Mohammedan’s operations but also improves the professionalism of football in Bangladesh.
- 🧠 Improved Governance: Ensures clubs are managed responsibly.
- 💰 Financial Fair Play: Prevents overspending and promotes transparency.
- 🎯 Player Protection: Enforces contracts, insurance, and welfare standards.
- 🌱 Youth Development: Encourages academies and long-term player growth.
- 🌍 International Recognition: Licensed clubs qualify for AFC and FIFA competitions.
📚 Mohammedan’s Compliance with FIFA & AFC Regulations
Mohammedan follows all international football regulations as set by FIFA and AFC.
The club has successfully renewed its AFC license multiple times, ensuring eligibility for Asian-level competitions.
| Regulation Area | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 🏟️ Infrastructure | Meets AFC standards for home stadium requirements. | ✅ Compliant |
| 💼 Management & Ownership | Transparent ownership; professional administrative team. | ✅ Compliant |
| 💰 Financial Audits | Annual independent audit reports submitted to BFF. | ✅ Compliant |
| 🌱 Youth Development | Maintains youth academy and grassroots football programs. | ✅ Active |
❓ FAQ – Mohammedan Sporting Club License
1. What kind of license does Mohammedan Sporting Club hold?
Mohammedan holds an official BFF Club License and an AFC Club License that allows participation in domestic and continental competitions.
2. Who issues football club licenses in Bangladesh?
Licenses are issued and regulated by the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) under FIFA and AFC club licensing guidelines.
3. How often is the club license renewed?
Every two years, after financial, legal, and infrastructure reviews conducted by the BFF and AFC.
4. What is the benefit of having an AFC Club License?
It allows Mohammedan to compete in continental tournaments like the AFC Cup, raising the club’s international profile.
5. Is Mohammedan SC legally registered?
Yes, the club is registered as Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited with Bangladesh’s RJSC and recognized by the BFF as a professional entity.
🏁 Conclusion
The Mohammedan Sporting Club license ensures the club’s credibility, transparency, and long-term sustainability in Bangladesh’s football ecosystem.
By aligning with FIFA, AFC, and BFF regulations, Mohammedan continues to be a pioneer in professional football governance in the country.