East Bengal FC faces unprecedented challenges after landing in Turkmenistan ahead of AFC Challenge League game

The Torchbearers have had a torrid time in the Central Asian country.

Indian Super League (ISL) club East Bengal FC’s journey to Turkmenistan for their AFC Challenge League match against FK Arkadag has turned into a nightmare. The team has been subjected to extreme restrictions, poor living conditions, and a lack of basic facilities ahead of their upcoming crucial second leg game.

From immigration troubles upon arrival to severe limitations on movement and communication, the players and staff have found themselves in an unprecedented situation. The worrisome situation has unfortunately put a significant damper on their preparation for their game against FK Arkadag on Wednesday.

East Bengal FC didn’t have a smooth arrival at Turkmenistan

The ordeal for the side began as soon as they landed in Ashgabat in the early hours of Sunday morning. Despite carrying all necessary travel documents, the team was held at immigration for nearly two and a half hours without explanation from the airport officials.

Such treatment was unexpected, and the delay only added to the players’ fatigue after an already exhausting journey.  After their release, the team was transported to Arkadag, a heavily restricted city under the control of Turkmenistan’s former president. The area known for its strict surveillance, with a strong presence of police and military personnel, made it clear that East Bengal would be under constant watch throughout the duration of their stay.  

Severe hotel restrictions and poor hospitality for Bruzon’s men

Upon arrival at their designated hotel, the situation worsened for the East Bengal travel party. Authorities confiscated all passports, and players were explicitly warned that they could not leave the premises without an official escort from Arkadag.

The move effectively placed the team under house arrest, preventing them from even stepping outside for fresh air after long travel.  Adding to their distress, the food arrangements were far from ideal. Despite prior requests, the meals provided to the players lacked essential nutrients, with no meat or eggs included in their diet.

With basic necessities like toothpaste and toothbrushes also not supplied, the team was forced to manage with whatever they had brought with them in their luggages. The water quality was also a major concern, as visibly contaminated water flowed from the taps, posing a serious health risk to the players.  

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East Bengal FC also experienced communication blackout during their stay

Communication with the outside world also proved to be another significant issue for the travelling party. The hotel’s internet service was extremely slow, making it almost impossible for players to contact their families or stay updated on external developments. Furthermore, social media sites were completely blocked, cutting them off from even using any sort of digital applications.

To make matters worse, only four local SIM cards were provided for the entire squad, limiting their ability to stay connected with their loved ones.  

Practice session delays and poor pitch conditions hampered preparations

The Torchbearers also faced difficulties in preparing for their crucial match. Their scheduled training session was delayed, as the transport that was supposed to take them to the stadium arrived nearly an hour late.

During their journey, a mysterious vehicle followed the coach closely, adding to the team’s unease since entering the Central Asian region.  Upon finally reaching the practice venue, another disappointment awaited them. The condition of the pitch was poor, increasing the risk of non-contact injuries. Furthermore, strict regulations prohibited any form of photography or documentation for the team’s social media, preventing the team from recording evidence and even promoting the game.  

A hostile environment away from home for the visiting party  

East Bengal’s experience in Turkmenistan has been nothing short of a nightmare. With restricted movement, a lack of proper food, limited communication, and poor training conditions, the team has faced one of the most challenging away trips in recent memory.

The difficulties have not only disrupted their preparations but have also raised serious concerns about the treatment of visiting teams in international competitions. 

As East Bengal gears up for their AFC Challenge League match against FK Arkadag, the players and staff will need to overcome not just their opponents on the pitch, but also the harsh and restrictive environment they currently find themselves in.

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