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Kazi Md. Salahuddin Re-elected President of SAFF

August 1, 2026

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.

 

More Announcement
August 1, 2026
Kazi Md. Salahuddin Re-elected President of SAFF
July 26, 2026
Agenda of the SAFF Ordinary Congress 2026

26 July 2026 | Dhaka

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

Click Here

 

July 25, 2026
TECNO & SAFF Officially Launch the TECNO SAFF Championship Bangladesh 2026

Press Release 

25 July 2026 | Dhaka

The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF), in partnership with the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) and TECNO Bangladesh, officially launched the TECNO SAFF Championship Bangladesh 2026 at a grand ceremony held at the Sheraton Dhaka, unveiling the tournament’s official identity and celebrating a landmark partnership that signals a new era for football across South Asia.

The prestigious launch brought together senior football administrators from across the region, representatives of all SAFF Member Associations, national team captains, distinguished guests, members of the media, and leading digital creators and influencers, reflecting the growing excitement surrounding South Asia’s premier international football tournament.

The ceremony commenced with opening remarks by Mr. Purushottam Kattel, General Secretary of SAFF, who officially introduced the championship’s vision and announced TECNO as the Official Title Sponsor of the tournament. He highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in strengthening football across the region and expressed confidence that the collaboration would elevate the championship to new heights.

One of the evening’s defining moments followed with the official unveiling of the TECNO SAFF Championship Bangladesh 2026 logo, revealed through a specially produced audiovisual presentation before invited guests, symbolizing the official beginning of the tournament’s journey.

The event then witnessed the formal exchange of the Official Title Sponsorship Agreement between Mr. Purushottam Kattel, General Secretary of SAFF, and Mr. Rezwanul Hoque, CEO of Ismartu Technology BD Limited, representing TECNO Bangladesh. The agreement marks the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the championship’s visibility, fan engagement, and commercial growth across South Asia.

Adding a global dimension to the occasion, attendees viewed a special recorded message from Mr. Guo Lei, General Manager of TECNO Global, who reaffirmed TECNO’s commitment to supporting football as a platform that connects communities, inspires young talent, and celebrates regional unity.

Following the video address, Mr. Rezwanul Hoque delivered the official remarks on behalf of TECNO Bangladesh, expressing the brand’s pride in partnering with SAFF and its commitment to contributing to the continued development of football throughout South Asia.

Representing the host nation, Fahad Karim, Vice president, Bangladesh Football Federation, welcomed delegates from across the region and described Bangladesh’s hosting of the championship as a significant milestone for the country’s football community. He emphasized that the tournament would showcase not only the region’s sporting excellence but also Bangladesh’s hospitality, passion, and growing capabilities as an international sporting destination.

Guests were then invited to experience the official Kick-Off AV, a cinematic presentation celebrating Bangladesh as the host nation while highlighting the participating Member Associations and the shared journey toward the TECNO SAFF Championship Bangladesh 2026.

The formal proceedings concluded with an official group photograph featuring SAFF leadership, BFF officials, representatives from all participating Member Associations, and TECNO Bangladesh executives, symbolizing regional unity through football.

The evening continued with media interactions, interviews, networking sessions, and content creation activities, allowing journalists, broadcasters, and digital creators to engage directly with tournament officials and partners ahead of the championship.

Representatives from all, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, attended the launch, alongside national team captains, federation officials, corporate partners, invited dignitaries, and a diverse group of prominent influencers and content creators whose participation helped amplify the excitement surrounding the tournament across digital platforms.

As South Asia’s premier international football competition, the TECNO SAFF Championship Bangladesh 2026 promises to unite millions of supporters across the region while celebrating sporting excellence, friendship, and cultural connection. With TECNO joining as the tournament’s Official Title Sponsor, the championship enters an exciting new chapter, reinforcing a shared commitment between SAFF, BFF, and TECNO to inspire the next generation of football fans and players throughout South Asia.

July 21, 2026
Bangladesh to host SAFF Championship 2026 from November 4–17

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.