Bangladesh football's rise sparks SAFF rethink

A logo inspired by Bangladesh's traditional Jamdani weaving and Nakshi Kantha embroidery was unveiled at the Sheraton Hotel in Dhaka yesterday, carrying the colours and identity of South Asia's seven nations as the symbol of the upcoming SAFF Championship.

But behind the design was a bigger message for Bangladesh football.

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The country's football is no longer built on promise alone. The arrival of expatriate players such as Hamza Choudhury and Shamit Shome, alongside the consistent success of women's and age-group teams, has created fresh momentum around the sport.

SAFF now wants to turn that growing interest into a new commercial era.

The SAFF Championship, scheduled to be held in Bangladesh from November 4 to 17, will mark a major change in the tournament's structure. For the first time in a Bangladesh-hosted edition, SAFF will take a central role in overseeing the commercial rights, following a model similar to FIFA and UEFA competitions.

Previously, the commercial rights of SAFF Championships hosted in Bangladesh were managed by the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF). This time, however, the arrangement will operate under a new framework involving SAFF, BFF and the commercial partner.

Speaking to The Daily Star during the logo unveiling ceremony, SAFF General Secretary Purushottam Kattel said Bangladesh's growing football popularity was a key reason behind the decision.

"The way football is progressing in Bangladesh and the popularity the game has gained are the main reasons," Kattel said.

He highlighted progress across all levels of the game, from the women's team and youth sides to the senior national team, while also praising November's weather in Dhaka as ideal for hosting the tournament.

Kattel stressed that the move does not mean all commercial rights have shifted completely to SAFF.

"There are royalties involved, but what is certain is that all rights will not remain with BFF or SAFF alone. They will be shared."

Further discussions between SAFF and BFF officials are expected to finalise the financial details.

The tournament will, however, go ahead without Nepal unless their international suspension is lifted.

"Since they are suspended, lifting that ban is not in our hands. It is not even in SAFF's hands," Kattel said.

The SAFF executive committee meeting in Bhutan on August 1 will decide how long the federation can wait. Until then, the draw will proceed with six teams, with no option to add Nepal as a seventh team unless the suspension is removed in time.

Unlike the previous edition in Bengaluru, where two guest teams participated, this year's championship will remain exclusively South Asian. Kattel said inviting teams from outside the region could improve competitiveness, but maintaining the tournament's identity was also important. Financial and logistical issues were additional considerations.

There had also been doubts over India's participation due to a possible clash with their New Zealand tour, but Kattel confirmed their involvement.

"We sent a letter to India and they confirmed their participation," he said.

He suggested India could send a second-string squad to New Zealand if required.

Kattel also praised Bangladesh's recent progress, citing women's championship success, AFC Asian Cup participation and age-group titles as signs of growth.

"Bangladesh football is moving in the right direction," he said.

On Hamza Choudhury, he added: "He is not only an asset for Bangladesh. In my opinion, he is an asset for the whole of South Asia."