Press Release
Thimphu, Bhutan | 1 August 2026

Kazi Md. Salahuddin has been re-elected as President of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) at the SAFF Ordinary Congress held in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Saturday.

Mr. Salahuddin was elected unopposed by the Congress, which was attended by representatives from all SAFF Member Associations and representatives from FIFA and AFC.

Mr. Jaswar Umaru Lebbe, President of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka, was also elected unopposed as Vice President of SAFF. Meanwhile, Ms. Zimbiri of the Bhutan Football Federation was elected unopposed as the Female Executive Committee Member.

The election process was conducted by Mr. Shifan Maharoof, Chairperson of the SAFF Electoral Committee, in accordance with the SAFF Statutes and the Rules Governing the Congress.

Mr. Hussain Shafiu of the Football Association of Maldives (FAM), who is also the Vice President of the FAM, was elected to the SAFF Executive Committee.

Meanwhile, Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran will continue serving as the AFC Member representing SAFF till the current AFC term.

Following his re-election, Mr. Salahuddin expressed his gratitude to the Member Associations for the trust and confidence they have placed in him over the years. He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing football across South Asia through the introduction of new competitions and expanded capacity-building initiatives. He emphasized that the region’s footballing potential can reach unprecedented heights through unity, collaboration, and a shared vision among all stakeholders.

“I am deeply honoured to have been elected to serve South Asian football for the next term. I accept this responsibility with humility and a firm commitment to work in the best interests of our game and our region.

I would also like to congratulate my fellow Executive Committee members who have been elected today. I look forward to working closely with each of them as we continue our collective efforts to strengthen football across South Asia.

On behalf of the Executive Committee, I wish to thank the Electoral Committee for conducting the election process in a professional, transparent, and impartial manner.

I would also like to convey our appreciation to FIFA and the AFC for their continued support and guidance. Their partnership remains vital to the growth and development of football in our region.

The years ahead present significant opportunities for South Asian football. Together, we must continue to strengthen our governance, enhance our competitions, invest in youth development, advance women’s football, improve technical standards, and create greater opportunities for players, coaches, referees, and administrators throughout our Member Associations.”

Earlier during the Congress, the following agenda items were approved:

• Minutes of the Previous Congress
• General Secretary’s Annual Report
• Statement of Accounts and Independent External Auditor’s Report for the Financial Year 2025
• Budget for 2026
• Appointment of Independent External Auditors

The Congress concluded with a renewed commitment from all Member Associations to work collectively toward the continued development and success of football in South Asia.

26 July 2026 | Dhaka

Agenda of the SAFF Ordinary Congress 2026 scheduled to take on 1 August in Thimphu, Bhutan.

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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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