"We request BFF to inform AFC to reschedule the group stage fixtures after 2 August, 2021 when Bangladesh Premier League will be fully completed. This will help BFF to complete their predetermined league schedule in time to help all clubs of Bangladesh football." At the same time, it believed that BFF is preparing a bid to host the South Asian Zone games sticking to the new schedule provided by AFC. Previously, they had submitted the same bid but Maldives won the hosting rights. However, AFC was forced to reschedule the dates given the breach of Covid-19 protocols by Indian club Bengaluru FC who were set to play the play-off game against Eagles FC for the last remaining spot in the group.