The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) has been compelled to postpone its premier regional men's championship due to India's involvement in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, scheduled for later this year. The organizers had initially planned to host the SAFF Championship during the international window from September 21 to October 6, when member associations are permitted to play four matches. However, after India accepted an invitation from world football's governing body to participate in the FIFA ASEAN Cup during the same period, SAFF has rescheduled its championship to November.
India's Participation Drives Decision
According to SAFF General Secretary Purushottam Kattel, India's presence is crucial for the championship's success. "Based on the country's size, football stature, and market, it's very important for us to have India at the SAFF championship," Kattel told TOI on Sunday. "We have communicated with all our seven member associations and obtained their consent to hold the tournament during the November window in Bangladesh."
Challenges with the November Window
The nine-day window from November 9 to 17 is insufficient to accommodate a seven-team competition, which typically includes a league phase and knockout stage. To address this, the organizers have devised alternative plans, starting the championship a few days before the official window. "We need to see how the registration process will work. There are many foreign-based players, especially for countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka that allow dual citizenship. They have players abroad. We will have to start the tournament a bit early," Kattel explained.
India's Recent Dominance
India has won the last two editions of the SAFF Championship. The Blue Tigers defeated Kuwait 5-4 on penalties to claim the 2023 title in a memorable night at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. That tournament, for the first time, featured two teams from outside the region—Lebanon and Kuwait—making it the largest and most competitive regional championship to date.
Concerns Over Team Strength
There were suggestions that India could field its under-23 team for the SAFF Championship if it clashed with the ASEAN Cup. However, with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) still hoping to obtain government permission to participate in the Asian Games, fielding a weakened team would devalue the regional championship. "Sending an under-23 team would have been damaging for the competition," Kattel said. "Also, if India takes part in the Asian Games, the team would be weaker. No team wants to come to SAFF and lose; there's pride at stake. November suits everyone, even if it's a short window."
