Footballer Matsushima Sumaya receives ‘numerous rape and death threats’

Bangladesh Women’s National Football Team player Matsushima Sumaya has claimed that she has received "countless rape and death threats" following their rebellion against national team coach Peter Butler.  

In a post on her official Facebook page on Tuesday, the 23-year-old footballer expressed that the threats have left her deeply traumatized.  

"Assalamu Alaikum. My name is Matsushima Sumaya, and I am a player for the Bangladesh Women’s National Football Team. From competing in interschool tournaments as an English medium student to playing and winning leagues in the Maldives, and ultimately securing victory in the SAFF Women's Football Championship 2024 for Bangladesh, my journey has been bittersweet," she wrote.  

She continued, "Since choosing this path, my dream has been to inspire young students whose parents prioritize academics over sports. I wanted to prove that passion and dedication can break barriers. But today, I sit here with regret—regret for sacrificing my education, my family, and my Eids, all to serve a country that fails to appreciate our struggles."  

Sumaya alleged that she fought with her parents to pursue football, believing her country would support her. However, she now feels that the reality is far different.  

"No one truly cares about an athlete’s mental health. I was capable of drafting a letter in English for myself and my teammates, highlighting the challenges we have faced. But over the past few days, I have been bombarded with countless death and rape threats—words that have shattered me in unimaginable ways," she stated.  

"I don’t know how long it will take for me to heal from this trauma, but I do know that no one should have to endure this just for following their dreams," she added.