SAFF Championship Schedule Released; Nepal’s Participation Remains Uncertain

The match schedule for the SAFF Championship football tournament, to be held in Dhaka, has been announced. The opening match is set for November 5 between Pakistan and India. Group ‘A’ consists of India, Pakistan, and the Maldives, while Group ‘B’ includes Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Nepal’s participation in the SAFF Championship remains uncertain due to its suspension by FIFA, which must be lifted by the end of September for the team to be confirmed.

According to the schedule for the SAFF Championship, hosted in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the first match will take place on November 5 between Pakistan and India. On the same day, Bhutan will face Bangladesh. On November 8, the Maldives will compete against Pakistan, and Sri Lanka will play against Bhutan. November 11 will see matches between India and the Maldives, and between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals. The final is scheduled for November 17.

However, Nepal’s participation is jeopardized due to the suspension imposed by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). Only if the suspension is lifted by the end of September will Nepal be able to take part in the SAFF Championship. Should the suspension remain in place, Nepal will miss the tournament.