SAFF launches futsal, club and women's tournaments to boost football in region

SAFF charts important football reforms and initiatives in the Kathmandu Congress

The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) laid out an ambitious roadmap to uplift football in the region during its Congress held in Kathmandu on Saturday.

With representation from all seven member nations—India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—the federation received unanimous backing on key proposals aimed at both grassroots and elite levels.

The Congress also endorsed over a dozen agendas, including the SAFF General Secretary’s activity report, the 2024 financial statement, and a $2.48 million budget for 2025. Amendments to Articles 31.3 and 31.4 of the SAFF Statutes were also approved.

New Tournaments and Development Initiatives

They introduced plans for its first-ever Futsal Championship, along with a school-level football tournament and club competitions for both men and women.

“We have also proposed a school-level tournament to boost our grassroots,” said General Secretary Purushottam Kattel. “For the senior level, we plan a club-level tournament in both men’s and women’s categories.”

The federation aims to align the junior tournament with the academic calendars of member nations, while coordination with the AFC is underway for the club-level calendar. The first edition of the women’s club competition is scheduled for November in Nepal.

Plans for providing Coaching Support

SAFF will work with member associations to increase the number of Pro License coaches, offering financial aid to offset high course costs. “Pro License coaching courses are very expensive, which has led to a shortage of qualified coaches in South Asia,” Kattel explained.SAFF is planning to provide financial support to help member associations enrol their coaches in the programme.”

In another significant development, Ms. Zimbiri of Bhutan was elected unopposed to the SAFF Executive Committee. Addressing the Congress virtually, SAFF President Kazi Md. Salahuddin urged greater commitment. “We must do more,” he said. “We must raise our standards and create more opportunities (in football) in our region.”

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