The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is eager to invite one or two nations from outdoors the South Asian area to compete in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship later this yr.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey acknowledged that getting a few higher-ranked groups will improve the competition in the event. India has historically dominated the event, successful eight of the 13 editions held up to now. The discipline often consists of weaker sides like Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka and others.
“This year, we want to include one or two teams from outside the SAFF region. This will create more competition for the Indian team. Having higher ranked teams in the tournament will raise the standard of Indian football. We are in discussion with stakeholders, and we will announce our decision in May,” Chaubey acknowledged in a press convention right here on Sunday.
The event might be held in Bengaluru from June 21 to July 3.
Asked if Pakistan might be allowed to compete in the event, Chaubey stated, “We will abide by the decision of the Ministry of External Affairs. However, we want to welcome all participating teams. We do not want to mix politics and sports,” Chaubey stated.
Chaubey, a former India worldwide footballer, was a part of the group which gained the SAFF Championship in 1999 and 2005.
AIFF Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran, AIFF Vice President and Karnataka State Football Association President N.A. Haris, and Karnataka Olympic Association President Ok. Govindraj have been current at the press convention.
