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From match changes to milestone moments, get all the key announcements in one place.
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.