Despite ongoing sporting tensions between India and Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has expressed its intention to host the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship this year. BFF President Tabith Awal confirmed that the tournament could take place in September, with the unique prospect of being held across three venues for the first time, rather than solely in Dhaka.
On Monday, BFF officials held a meeting at the federation’s headquarters with Asif Nazrul, the current Youth and Sports Adviser to the government. During the discussions, Nazrul announced that two stadiums outside the capital—Chattogram and Sylhet—would be fully dedicated to football and upgraded to international standards ahead of the event.
Following the meeting, Nazrul also addressed issues concerning the Bangladesh cricket team’s participation in the upcoming World Cup in India, highlighting government concerns over player security. This inevitably brought the SAFF Championship into focus, raising questions about whether India would be willing to send its football team to Bangladesh in September.
However, Tabith Awal emphasised that football should remain above political or diplomatic considerations. “I don’t believe we ever bring other considerations into football. Last November, our neighbouring country played here without issue, and we went there in March for matches as well. At this moment, raising questions about participation seems unnecessary. Football is football, and players compete against players, nothing else,” he said.
Tabith stressed that the goal of hosting the SAFF Championship is to ignite nationwide enthusiasm for football. By staging matches in at least three venues, including Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet, the federation aims to decentralise the sport and bring high-level football to fans across the country. “If we become hosts, our vision is to expand the reach of football throughout Bangladesh. Hosting matches outside Dhaka will make the tournament more vibrant and showcase our ability to organise an excellent championship,” he added.
Proposed SAFF 2026 Venues
| Venue | City | Upgrade Status | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangabandhu National Stadium | Dhaka | Already international standard | Main matches & finals |
| MA Aziz Stadium | Chattogram | To be upgraded to international standard | Group stage & semi-finals |
| Sylhet District Stadium | Sylhet | To be upgraded to international standard | Group stage & exhibition matches |
As discussions continue, Bangladesh’s ambition is clear: a well-organised, multi-venue tournament that celebrates football across the nation while keeping the sport above all geopolitical considerations.
