The SAFF Championship is set to undergo a significant transformation, with seven countries hosting the tournament in a new home-and-away format proposed by the marketing company that acquired the rights. Scheduled for June-July, this revamped format promises to bring a fresh dynamic to the competition.
The SAFF's busy calendar will kick off in the New Year with the SAFF U-20 Women's Football Championship in Bangladesh in February. Despite the club championship not taking place next year, the SAFF Competitions Committee is gearing up for a packed schedule, aiming to host six tournaments annually. Four tournament dates have been finalised, with venues confirmed for two.
The year will begin with two age-based women's tournaments: the U-20 Championship in Bangladesh in February and the U-17 Championship in March. Later in the year, India will host the U-16 Youth Championship in October and the U-19 Youth Championship in November. While hosts for the middle two tournaments are yet to be confirmed, the remaining hosts will be decided this year.
The South Asian Football Federation is keen to make the upcoming SAFF Championship the most attractive yet, with the potential home-and-away format allowing a single country to host three consecutive home matches. This format, however, excludes the possibility of guest countries participating.
The SAFF General Secretary has outlined a tentative schedule, with the AFC conference concluding around mid-June, followed by the SAFF Championship starting on 18th June and running through July, spanning approximately 35-40 days.
Although there were initial plans to introduce the club championship in this new format, it will not be implemented this year. However, SAFF is exploring the possibility of launching a women's club tournament or an under-23 team tournament, pending AFSC approval.
This new approach aims to revitalise the SAFF Championship, offering fans an engaging and competitive football experience across South Asia.
