SAFF – South Asian Football Federation

Muhammad Abdullah of Pakistan bags Highest Scorer Award of the #U17SAFF2025 with six goals.

MD ALIF RAHMAN IMTIAGE of Bangladesh bags award for Best Goalkeeper at the #U17SAFF2025

NAZMUL HUDA FAYSAL of Bangladesh adjudged the Most Valuable Player

SAFF CLUB WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP 2025

Abhista Basnett bags Most Valuable Player award of SAFF U17 Women’s Championship 2025

SAFF holds first ever competition committee meeting

Bhutan Football Federation celebrates its 25th year as affiliated member of FIFA. The landmark occasion was marked by a series of events, including the award ceremony.

All Nepal Football Association inaugurates FIFA Football For Schools programme.

We are absolutely delighted to see our teams compete against the heavy weights in Asia.

Members Association

Raising Standards and Bridging Nations United by South Asian Football

Bangladesh

Bangladesh Football Federation

Bhutan

Bhutan Football Federation

India

All India Football Federation

Maldives

Football Association of Maldives

Nepal

All Nepal Football Federation

Pakistan

Pakistan Football Federation

Srilanka

Football Federation of Sri Lanka

Latest Announcements

Find What's New On and Off the Pitch Latest News, Fixtures, and Match Insights

April 24, 2025

15th SAFF Championship to be staged in 2026

Press Release
24 April 2025 | Dhaka

The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) has remained steadfast in its mission to develop football across the South Asian region since its inception. Through organizing competitions across various categories and conducting educational programs to empower stakeholders, SAFF continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to the growth of our beloved sport.

In line with this vision, SAFF had initially planned to host the prestigious SAFF Championship in a home-and-away format this year. Preparations were underway to make this possible. However, after careful consideration and consultation with our Member Associations and strategic partner SportFive, it was concluded that additional arrangements are necessary to ensure the smooth and successful execution of the tournament.

As a result, SAFF has made the decision to postpone the SAFF Championship to 2026. This will allow all stakeholders and Member Associations ample time to prepare and deliver the event in a truly grand and memorable fashion.

Given that 2026 is also a FIFA World Cup year, special attention will be paid to selecting an appropriate timeline and venue for the SAFF Championship to ensure maximum participation and visibility.

We kindly ask for the understanding and support of our stakeholders, fans, media, and Member Associations as we work towards organizing a flawless and prestigious tournament in 2026.

September 19, 2025

Five Clubs to Compete in Inaugural SAFF Women’s Club Championship

Press Release
19 September 2025 | Dhaka

The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) is set to host the first-ever SAFF Women’s Club Championship in Nepal from 5 to 20 December 2025.

Five clubs will compete for regional glory in this landmark tournament:

Narsin Sports Academy (Bangladesh)
Transports United Ladies FC (Bhutan)
East Bengal FC (India)
APF Football Club (Nepal)
Karachi City Football Club (Pakistan)

This championship marks a historic milestone—not only for South Asia but also across the five Regional Associations of Asia—as SAFF becomes the first to organize a women’s club competition at this level.

“This is a historic competition, as SAFF will be the first Regional Association to host a women’s club championship among the five Regional Associations of Asia,” said SAFF General Secretary Purushottam Kattel, adding. “The recent progress of women’s national teams in South Asia is very encouraging. Member Associations like Bangladesh and India are reaching the finals of AFC competitions, while others have shown strong performances in AFC qualifiers. Through this championship, we aim to provide a more competitive environment for our Member Associations and celebrate the growing success of women’s football in the region. We hope the two weeks in Kathmandu will be a true celebration of that progress.”

The tournament will follow a league-cum-knockout format, with the top two teams advancing to the final.

October 5, 2025

SAFF to Launch Inaugural Futsal Championship in January 2026

Press Release

5 October 2025 | Dhaka

In a landmark move to promote futsal across South Asia, the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) is set to host its first-ever SAFF Futsal Championship for both men and women from January 13–26, 2026, in Thailand.

The championship will be accompanied by capacity-building courses for coaches and referees, aimed at strengthening the foundation of futsal in the region. Despite its global popularity, futsal remains largely underdeveloped in South Asia, and SAFF is committed to changing that.

“As members of FIFA, all national associations are expected to actively participate in futsal and beach soccer, alongside association football. Unfortunately, South Asia has lagged behind in these areas,” said SAFF General Secretary Purushottam Kattel.

“We’ve also observed a significant shortage of officials involved in futsal compared to other regions. That’s why it’s crucial for us to initiate futsal development in our region. The Executive Committee has already approved the decision, and we’re grateful for the support from both FIFA and the AFC for this historic event.”

SAFF views this championship as a vital step toward nurturing futsal in South Asia. With the sport gaining popularity among youth in recent years, it is essential to harness its potential through structured competitions and training programs. This initiative aims to foster genuine interest and engagement among stakeholders.

Further details about the championship will be shared with stakeholders in due course.

Featured News

South Asia MC Conference & Workshop Concludes with Enthusiastic Participation

SAFF Hosts First-Ever Competition Committee Meeting

SAFF congress elects first female Executive Committee member

SAFF Hosts Marketing and Communications Committee Meeting

About SAFF

Teaming Up Together, Taking the South Asian Football Forward

In 1997, with the aim of advancing South Asian football to a higher level and of uniting the people of South Asia through this beautiful game, SAFF – South Asian Football Federation was formed. Six nations, Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka came together, united by the love of football, to form the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF). Today, it has become a name for the festival of South Asian football culture, which is celebrated from time to time.

The SAFF Secretariat currently operates from Dhaka, Bangladesh. The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) is the unity of south asian countries playing football and is a part of the larger Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

Over the years, SAFF grew, welcoming Bhutan in 2000 and expanding its influence across the region. Through its premier SAFF Championship, along with men’s, women’s, and youth tournaments, it has given South Asian football global recognition. From its early days under P. P. Lakshman, SAFF has proved the true meaning of its motto “Unity in Strength.” As the tournaments have shown, football can become a force that brings nations together, turning rivalries into respect and borders into bonds.

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