SAFF Championship 2025: Dates & format revealed

India are the defending winners of the SAFF Championship.

The SAFF Championship 2025 is set to usher in a new era with its first-ever home-and-away format, scheduled to take place from June 15 to July 25, 2025.

This decision, approved at the SAFF (South Asian Football Federation) Executive Committee meeting held in Kathmandu on January 8, 2025, marks a significant departure from the traditional centralized format.

Under the new league-style system, seven teams will compete in a round-robin format, with each team playing three matches at home and three away. This shift is inspired by the AFF Cup in the ASEAN region, aiming to enhance fan engagement and provide teams with the advantage of playing on home soil.

General Secretary Anwarul Huq confirmed that while efforts will be made to execute the home-and-away format, a centralized format may be considered if logistical issues arise. The marketing rights for the championship, along with other competitions, have been awarded to Sportfive, which will hold these rights until 2029.

India, the most successful team in history, will enter the tournament as defending champions, having clinched their ninth title in 2023 by defeating Kuwait. India’s dominance in the region is unmatched, with Maldives trailing far behind with just two titles.

Other Key Developments

The meeting also paved the way for additional competitions, including the first-ever SAFF Club Championship in 2026, along with a women’s club tournament in 2025. Youth competitions, such as the SAFF U-19 Championship (May 2025) and SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship (July 2025), were also announced.

Despite not falling within FIFA matchdays, the revamped SAFF Championship 2025 promises intense regional rivalries and an electrifying football experience for fans across South Asia.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.