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.
12 November 2026 | Dhaka
For the first time in the history of the SAFF Championship, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system will be utilized, marking a significant milestone for football in South Asia. Remote VAR technology will be implemented during the semi-finals and final of the ongoing Tecno SAFF Championship 2026, bringing the competition in line with modern international refereeing standards.
The introduction of VAR has been made possible through the collaboration of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) and the SAFF. The system is being operated by Quality, a FIFA-certified technology provider based in Spain, with its central operations in Thailand, and is renowned for delivering VAR solutions across international football competitions.
Under the remote VAR model, live match footage from the National Stadium in Dhaka will be transmitted to a centralized VAR operations hub in Thailand, where certified Video Match Officials will review incidents and assist the on-field referees in accordance with the IFAB VAR Protocol. Decisions and recommendations from the VAR team will be communicated directly to the match officials in Dhaka.
To facilitate the operation of the system, a fully equipped Referee Review Area (RRA) and Technical Operations Team Area Monitor (TOTAM) have been installed at the National Stadium. Technical experts from Quality are working on-site to ensure the seamless transmission and operation of the VAR infrastructure throughout the matches.
Further enhancing the implementation, all selected referees and assistant referees assigned to the semi-finals and final are certified and trained in VAR procedures, ensuring the technology is applied effectively and consistently in line with international standards.
Speaking on the historic introduction of VAR, SAFF General Secretary Purushottam Kattel described the initiative as a landmark achievement for football in the region.
“The introduction of VAR is a groundbreaking moment for South Asian football and an important step towards raising the professional standards of our competitions. We are extremely grateful to the Asian Football Confederation and the ASEAN Football Federation for their invaluable support in helping us introduce this technology to the region.”
“VAR has become an integral part of modern football, providing greater accuracy in key match decisions and reinforcing the principles of fairness, transparency, and sporting integrity. We believe this milestone will not only enhance the quality of the Tecno SAFF Championship 2026 but also pave the way for the broader adoption of advanced football technologies across South Asia.”
The implementation of VAR at the Tecno SAFF Championship 2026 represents a major advancement in the region’s football landscape, reflecting SAFF’s continued commitment to embracing global best practices and delivering a world-class competition experience for players, officials, and fans alike.
Dhaka | 6 November 2026
South Asian Football Federation (SAFF), with the support of AFC Dream Asia Foundation and in partnership with Senora, a feminine hygiene brand of Square Toiletries Limited, officially launched the ‘Play On Period’ initiative through a Pad Dispenser Distribution Ceremony held on 6 November 2026 at InterContinental Dhaka.
The ceremony brought together team captains and managers from Member Associations participating in the Tecno SAFF Championship 2026, marking a significant step towards breaking menstrual stigma and promoting dignity and inclusion in women’s football.
‘Play On Period’ is a regional social responsibility initiative aimed at normalising conversations surrounding menstruation, improving menstrual health education, and ensuring access to sanitary products within football facilities.
Under the initiative, 14 sanitary pad dispensers will be distributed across all SAFF Member Associations, with two allocated to each association. Senora, the project’s Feminine Hygiene Partner, will provide a year-long supply of sanitary napkins to support the initiative.
Beyond infrastructure support, the project will engage coaches, physiotherapists, safeguarding officers, and female footballers through menstrual health education and awareness activities.
Through ‘Play On Period’, SAFF reinforces its commitment to creating an inclusive football environment where menstruation is never a barrier to participation.
Periods are not a secret. No shame, just game
1 November 2026 | Dhaka
South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Senora, a feminine hygiene brand of Square Toiletries Limited, as the official Feminine Hygiene Partner for the SAFF Play On Period, a project by AFC Dream Asia Foundation.
The signing ceremony took place on 1 November 2026 at SAFF Secretariat in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The MoU was signed by Mr. Purushottam Kattel, General Secretary, SAFF, and Mr. Md. Ferdous Islam, Head of Media & Research,Square Toiletries Limited.
Under this partnership, Senora will provide a year-long supply of sanitary napkins for all SAFF Member Associations.
The Play On Period project aims to promote menstrual health and hygiene awareness, reduce stigma surrounding menstruation, and ensure better access to essential menstrual hygiene products for female footballers across South Asia. As part of the initiative, sanitary pad dispensers will be installed at designated locations within the participating Member Associations.
This collaboration marks an important step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive football environment for women and girls across the region, reinforcing SAFF’s commitment to women’s empowerment and social responsibility through football.
Dhaka | 1 October 2026
The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Executive Committee, at its virtual meeting held on 1 October 2026, approved the formation of all standing committees for the 2026-2030 term as per the requirement of the SAFF Statutes 2026.
The online meeting was chaired by SAFF President Md. Kazi Salahuddin and attended by all the Executive Committee members of SAFF.
During the meeting, the SAFF President appointed Mr. Jaswar Umaru Lebbe (President of Football Federation of Sri Lanka) as the Senior Vice President of SAFF. Mr. Syed Mohsen Gilani, President of Pakistan Football Federation, was also co-opted to the SAFF Executive Committee as a member.
In his opening address, SAFF President Kazi Md. Salahuddin welcomed the Executive Committee members and thanked them for their continued support over the years. He called for greater unity among the member associations, particularly in light of the Tecno SAFF Championship 2026, and urged all stakeholders to extend their support and cooperation to ensure the successful delivery of the region’s premier football tournament.
The committees established are the Competition Committee, Finance Committee, Marketing and Communications Committee, the Women’s Ad-hoc Committee. The members of all the committees were nominated by the respective Member Associations.
Competitions Committee
Chaired by SAFF Vice President
• Jaswar Umaru Lebbe (Sri Lanka) – Chairperson
• Dr. Caitano Jose Fernandes (India ) – Deputy Chairperson
• Mr. Jigme Tshewang (Bhutan) – Member
• Mr. Muhammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar (Pakistan) – Member
• Mr. Ali Ibrahim (Maldives) – Member
Finance Committee
• Mr. N A Haris (India) – Chairperson
• Mr. Pema Dorji (Bhutan) – Deputy Chairperson
• Mr. Raja Muhammad Ishtiaq (Pakistan)
• Mr. Eraj Wimalasuriya (Sri Lanka)
Marketing and Communications Committee
• Syed Mohsen Gilani (Pakistan) – Chairperson
• Mr. Hishey Tshering (Bhutan)
• Dr. Sangrang Brahma (India)
• Mr. Abdulla Azmeen (Maldives)
• Mr. Asif Ansar (Sri Lanka)
Women’s Ad-hoc Committee
• Ms. Zimbiri (Bhutan) – Chairperson
• Ms. Mejzgaan Orakzai (Pakistan)
• Ms. Tsering Angmo (India)
• Ms. Hawwa Rasheedha (Maldives)
• Ms. Hithaishi Jayawardana (Sri Lanka)
The Executive Committee also received a briefing from the SAFF General Secretary on the federation’s Commercial Rights and Marketing Strategy process as well as updates on the upcoming Techno SAFF Championship 2026.
