The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) yesterday struck the TV deal with the satellite television channel, which earned the rights for free.

"It is a reality that we can't sell the rights for money. It is better to show the matches on TV rather than no telecast," said BFF general secretary Anwarul Hoque Helal yesterday defending the decision.

"This is the first year of the professional league and we hope to make things better next time because there would be a market," he added.

However, sources said that unofficially, the broadcaster has promised to share if it makes profit from the sponsors.

With only two more days to go for the launching of the inaugural Professional Football League, the transfer scene came alive with the clubs hurrying to complete registrations of their players.

With the deferral of the B. League's start, the original two-month long transfer period, which began on December 15, 2006, was extended till March 1 but most of the clubs have yet to officially register their booters with the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).

Arambagh, who signed the first professional footballer back in December last year, registered ten players two days ago to complete their task while Farashganj, who had signed 14 earlier, confirmed services of seven more footballers yesterday.

Although the big guns have already made their respective squads public, they will have to complete the formality within the next couple of days.

Among the giants, only Brothers Union have registered three players, mainly to kill rumours of two of their chosen ones linked to other clubs.

Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra are expected to make their squad official today.

Meanwhile the BFF, which will have total control of the opening ceremony including the ticket selling rights of the opener between Abahani and Muktijoddha Sangsad at the Bangabandhu National Stadium, will charge Tk 30 for gallery tickets.

VIP tickets will be sold for Tk 100 (Gate 3), Tk 60 (Gate 2) and women's gallery (Gate 10) for Tk 50.

Women's tickets will be available at the entry while other tickets will be available at the stadium tickets counters from 12 noon.

The BFF has already taken steps to ensure presence of the ex-national players since the 60s and ex federation officials.

The opening match will kick off at 5.50pm after a gala ceremony and the day's events would be rounded off with a concert featuring star singer Ayub Bachchu.