Dhaka will host the men’s SAFF Championship later this year, with the tournament set to run from November 4 to 17.
The South Asian Football Federation confirmed the dates and venue on Wednesday. SAFF General Secretary Purushottam Kattel announced the decision at a press conference in Goa before the first semifinal of the SAFF Women’s Championship.
There had already been talks about Bangladesh hosting the event. SAFF president Kazi Salahuddin had earlier hinted at the possibility. The latest announcement has now made it official.
The tournament was originally planned for September. However, a change became necessary because India will be busy with AFC Asian Cup qualifying matches during that period.
Kattel said the new schedule was agreed after discussions with all member nations.
“It was not only about managing India’s Asian Cup commitments. We held detailed discussions with all seven SAFF member nations. The dates were finalised based on the opinions and agreement of everyone.”
All matches will be played in Dhaka. The National Stadium will be the main venue for the competition. SAFF has also decided that no matches will take place outside the capital.
Bashundhara Kings Arena is expected to be used as the second venue. However, SAFF has not officially confirmed that yet.
This year’s tournament may also bring a major change. SAFF is trying to introduce Video Assistant Referee technology for the first time in the competition.
The decision on VAR is not final yet. Still, the regional body is working to make it happen.
“We are trying to introduce this modern technology in SAFF for the first time,” said Kattel.
