Bangladesh placed with Sri Lanka, Bhutan in SAFF Championship group

The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship is returning to Bangladesh after eight years. The draw for the 15th edition of the tournament was held on Saturday (August 1) in Thimphu, Bhutan.

Hosts Bangladesh have been placed in Group A alongside Sri Lanka and Bhutan. Defending champions India are in Group B with the Maldives and Pakistan.

Nepal, one of the SAFF member nations, was not included in the draw as its football federation is currently suspended by FIFA. The country will get a chance to take part if the suspension is lifted by September 30. In that case, Nepal could be placed in Group A with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan to maintain a four-team group, though no final decision has been made.

The tournament is scheduled to be held from November 4 to November 17 in Dhaka. Bangladesh last hosted the SAFF Championship in 2018 and last won the trophy as hosts in 2003.