Kazi Md. Salahuddin was re-elected unopposed as South Asian Football Federation president at the SAFF Ordinary Congress in Thimphu, Bhutan. Photo: SAFF/FILE
Kazi Md. Salahuddin was re-elected unopposed as president of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) on Saturday, extending his leadership of the regional governing body after elections held during the federation’s Ordinary Congress in Bhutan.
Representatives from all SAFF member associations attended the Congress in Thimphu alongside delegates from world governing body FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Salahuddin, who has led SAFF through multiple terms, secured another mandate without opposition in an election conducted by SAFF Electoral Committee chairman Shifan Maharoof in accordance with the federation’s statutes and congress regulations.
Sri Lanka Football Federation president Jaswar Umaru Lebbe was also elected unopposed as SAFF vice president, while Bhutan Football Federation official Ms. Zimbiri was chosen unopposed as the female executive committee member.
The Congress also elected Hussain Shafiu, vice president of the Football Association of Maldives (FAM), to the SAFF Executive Committee.
Separately, Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran will continue as the AFC member representing SAFF for the remainder of the current AFC term.
Following his re-election, Salahuddin thanked member associations for their continued confidence and pledged to strengthen football across South Asia by introducing new competitions and expanding development programmes.
“I am deeply honoured to have been elected to serve South Asian football for the next term,” Salahuddin said in a statement.
“I accept this responsibility with humility and a firm commitment to work in the best interests of our game and our region.”
Salahuddin said he looked forward to working with the newly elected executive committee and thanked the electoral committee for overseeing a professional and transparent voting process.
He also acknowledged the continued support of FIFA and the AFC, describing their partnership as essential to football’s development across South Asia.
Looking ahead, Salahuddin said SAFF would focus on strengthening governance, enhancing competitions and investing in youth and women’s football, while raising technical standards and creating greater opportunities for players, coaches, referees and administrators throughout the region.
“The years ahead present significant opportunities for South Asian football,” he said. “Together, we must continue to strengthen our governance, enhance our competitions, invest in youth development, advance women’s football, improve technical standards, and create greater opportunities” across member associations.
Earlier in the day, delegates approved several key agenda items, including the minutes of the previous Congress, the General Secretary’s annual report, the statement of accounts and independent external auditor’s report for the 2025 financial year, the 2026 budget and the appointment of independent external auditors.
The Congress concluded with member associations reaffirming their commitment to working collectively to promote the growth and long-term development of football across South Asia.
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