Sports Desk:

In a strategic move aimed at elevating the stature and smooth execution of South Asia’s premier football tournament, the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) has announced the postponement of the SAFF Championship to 2026.

Originally slated to be held this year in a new home-and-away format, the decision to defer the event comes after a thorough evaluation by SAFF, its member associations, and commercial partner Sport Five. The collective consensus was that additional preparations are necessary to ensure the tournament lives up to its growing reputation.

“This decision was not taken lightly,” said a SAFF press release. “We are committed to giving this championship the grandeur and organisation it truly deserves. By postponing it to 2026, we’re giving all stakeholders ample time to make that happen.”

The SAFF Championship, which serves as a cornerstone for football development and regional competition in South Asia, has played a crucial role in elevating the standard of the sport across its member nations. With the 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup also on the horizon, SAFF emphasised the importance of finding the right window in the global football calendar to ensure maximum visibility and participation.

The delay, while disappointing to fans eager for regional rivalries and high-stakes matches, is seen as a necessary step to ensure the tournament can be conducted with excellence. The Federation has urged supporters, media, and all stakeholders to remain patient and supportive of the decision.

“Football in South Asia deserves the very best,” the statement continued. “This postponement is a commitment to that vision.”

The new timeline also opens up possibilities for further enhancements to the format and experience, promising a more competitive and celebratory tournament when it returns in 2026.