Bangladesh likely to host SAFF Championship in September

Bangladesh is set to potentially host the SAFF Championship this September, with discussions underway to stage South Asia’s premier football tournament across two venues.

The tournament, last held in 2023 in Bengaluru, India, was originally scheduled in Sri Lanka last year but was postponed by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) in April 2025 due to various challenges. Sri Lanka has since confirmed it will not be able to host the event.

SAFF is now exploring Bangladesh as the next host, with plans targeting a window from September 21 to October 6.

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is in talks to use both the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka and Bashundhara Kings Arena as potential venues. Officials are also considering the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology for the tournament.

SAFF General Secretary Purushottam Kattel said ongoing developments in Bangladesh football have boosted the country’s chances of hosting the event.

“There is a football wave in Bangladesh, especially with players like Hamza Choudhury and Shamit Shome. We are in contact with the BFF and moving forward with plans to host the SAFF Championship in Bangladesh,” he said.

He added that discussions are ongoing with sponsors and marketing partners, while final approval from the executive committee is still pending.

Bangladesh has previously hosted the SAFF Championship three times. The national team won the tournament on home soil in 2003, reached the semi-finals in 2009, and exited at the group stage when it last hosted in 2018.