Bangladesh’s under-20 football team is scheduled to leave for Uzbekistan on Wednesday for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers amid uncertainty over head coach Gerard Jones. A Bangladesh Football Federation source said Jones had been dismissed and assistant coach Atikur Rahman Mishu would take charge, but the federation had not made an official announcement.

BFF general secretary Imran Hossain Tushar denied that a decision had been made when contacted, saying one could be made later and the media would be informed. Jones also rejected reports of his dismissal in a Facebook video, saying the federation had not told him anything and questioning why false information would be circulated to damage team harmony.

A pre-tournament press conference scheduled for 4pm on Tuesday was postponed, with BFF saying a new time would be announced later. Jones had previously raised concerns online about unpaid wages and security during a camp in Jashore. He later reportedly became involved in an altercation with Mishu and called police through 999. Bangladesh will face India, Uzbekistan and Syria in Group B from August 31 to September 6.