Amid ongoing sporting tensions between Bangladesh and India, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has expressed its intention to host this year’s South Asian Football (SAF) Championship. BFF President Tabith Awal confirmed that the tournament could take place in September, marking a significant step for South Asian football in the region.
For the first time, the SAF Championship may not be confined solely to Dhaka. Awal revealed that the tournament could be staged across three venues, expanding the reach of competitive football beyond the capital.
On Monday, BFF officials met with the current Youth and Sports Adviser, Asif Nazrul, at the BFF headquarters. During the discussions, Nazrul announced that two venues outside Dhaka — Chittagong and Sylhet — would be fully upgraded to meet international football standards. This move aims to ensure the tournament is not only accessible to a broader audience but also aligns with global sporting benchmarks.
The meeting also touched upon broader sporting concerns. Nazrul addressed the issue of the Bangladesh cricket team potentially playing in India, emphasising security concerns as a factor influencing the government’s stance on sending teams abroad. Naturally, this raised questions about India’s participation in the SAF Championship scheduled for September.
However, Awal was keen to emphasise that football should remain above political considerations. “In football, we have never allowed other considerations to interfere,” he stated. “Just last November, our neighbouring teams played here in Bangladesh, and in March, we played in their country without issue. Football is football — players compete against players, nothing else.”
Awal’s vision is to create nationwide excitement through this year’s SAF Championship. By extending matches to multiple venues, the BFF hopes to stimulate football interest across Bangladesh, fostering engagement beyond the traditional hubs.
Proposed SAF Championship Venues (2026)
| Venue | City | Status/Upgrade Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Bangabandhu National Stadium | Dhaka | Main venue; international standard maintained |
| Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium | Chittagong | Upgraded to international standard |
| Sylhet District Stadium | Sylhet | Upgraded to international standard |
“If we host the SAF Championship, our vision is to spread football across the country,” Awal added. “By having at least three venues — Dhaka and two others outside the capital — we can ensure a vibrant, high-quality tournament that showcases our capability as hosts.”
Negotiations and discussions regarding final arrangements are ongoing, but the BFF is optimistic that the 2026 SAF Championship will be a landmark event for Bangladeshi football, both in terms of organisation and nationwide participation.