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TECNO & SAFF Officially Launch the TECNO SAFF Championship Bangladesh 2026

July 25, 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.

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

July 15, 2026
SAFF & Educo Bangladesh Sign MoU to Advance Social Responsibility and Safeguarding

15 July 2026 | Dhaka

The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Educo Bangladesh, marking the beginning of a collaborative partnership to strengthen social responsibility initiatives, advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and promote safer environments for children.

The MoU was signed today at the SAFF Secretariat by Purushottam Kattel, General Secretary of SAFF and Abdul Hamid, Country Director of Educo Bangladesh.

Through this partnership, SAFF and Educo Bangladesh will work together to strengthen safeguarding practices, promote child rights and protection, and support initiatives that use football as a platform for positive social impact. Building on their shared commitment to the well-being of children and young people, both organisations aim to create safer, more inclusive, and more accessible football environments across South Asia.

July 1, 2026
Candidates for Elections – SAFF Congress 2026

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.