Press Release 
21 July 2026 | Dhaka

The wait is finally over. The dates and venue for the much-anticipated SAFF Championship 2026 have been confirmed, with the competition set to take place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 4 to 17, 2026.

All member associations of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) are expected to participate in the region’s premier football competition, which has established itself as one of the most prestigious and eagerly awaited sporting events in South Asia.

As part of the build-up to the championship, the official logo unveiling ceremony will be held in Dhaka on July 25, while the official draw ceremony is scheduled to take place in Thimphu, Bhutan, on August 1.

“We are absolutely delighted to announce the dates and venue for the SAFF Championship 2026. This tournament holds a special place in our hearts, having created countless memorable moments for football fans across the region over the years,” said SAFF General Secretary Purushottam Kattel.

“With the FIFA World Cup 2026 just concluded, this announcement comes at an exciting time for football enthusiasts across South Asia. Bangladesh’s confirmation as the host is particularly exciting in light of the rapidly growing interest in football across the country. We look forward to Bangladesh delivering a grand and successful event that will leave a lasting impression on players and fans alike

“In the weeks and months ahead, we will be unveiling a range of activities, updates, and events related to the championship. We sincerely hope our fans share in our excitement as we begin the countdown to another unforgettable edition of the tournament.”

The 2026 competition will mark the 15th edition of the SAFF Championship and will return to Bangladesh for the first time since 2018, further adding to the anticipation surrounding the region’s flagship football event.

1 July 2026 | Dhaka

SAFF Congress 2026, 1 August, Bhutan 

In accordance with Article 25.2 of the SAFF Statutes and Article 10.2 of the SAFF Electoral Code, the Member Associations of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) were notified of the elections to be held at the SAFF Ordinary Congress on 1 August 2026 in Bhutan for the term 2026–2030.

Member Associations were invited to submit nominations for the following positions pursuant to Article 31.1 of the SAFF Statutes:

* SAFF President;
* Two (2) SAFF Vice Presidents;
* Three (3) SAFF Executive Committee Members; and
* One (1) SAFF Female Executive Committee Member.

The position of AFC Executive Committee Member representing SAFF was not included in the present electoral cycle as the current AFC Executive Committee term expires in 2027.

Following the nomination period, SAFF received the following nominations:

Candidates for Elections

•  SAFF President

         Kazi Md. Salahuddin (Bangladesh)

• SAFF Vice President

         Jaswar Umaru Lebbe (Sri Lanka)

• SAFF Executive Committee Members 

         Sabbir Ahmed Arif (Bangladesh)
Hussain Shafiu (Maldives)

• SAFF Female Executive Committee Member

         Zimbiri (Bhutan)

The nominated candidates were subsequently subject to eligibility checks conducted by the SAFF Electoral Committee in accordance with Article 31.5 of the SAFF Statutes and Articles 4.1.14 and 9.1 of the SAFF Electoral Code.

As the number of eligible candidates does not exceed the number of available positions, the candidates shall be elected by acclamation in accordance with Article 24.2 of the SAFF Statutes.

The SAFF Electoral Committee is responsible for all matters relating to the organisation, conduct and supervision of the elections and shall oversee the electoral process to ensure that it is carried out in a transparent, fair and democratic manner.

The final list of eligible candidates has been confirmed by the SAFF Electoral Committee and is published in advance of the SAFF Ordinary Congress in accordance with Article 9.3 of the SAFF Electoral Code.

The positions of one (1) SAFF Vice President, one (1) SAFF Executive Committee Member, and one (1) AFC Executive Committee Member representing SAFF remain unfilled in the present electoral cycle. These positions shall therefore be carried forward and will be subject to nomination and election at the next SAFF Congress in accordance with the relevant provisions of the SAFF Statutes and the SAFF Electoral Code.

23 June 2026 | Dhaka

The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) invites applications from qualified auditing firms for the 2026 and 2027 audit cycle.

Interested firms are requested to submit their proposals, clearly outlining their technical qualifications and proposed fee structure.

Applications must be sent via email to info@saffederation.org no later than 30 June 2026.

SAFF looks forward to receiving submissions from experienced and reputable auditing firms.

23 Feb 2026 | Dhaka

List of the Executive Committee Meeting, Standing Committee Meetings and Congress from January 2025 –

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