Kazi Salahuddin re-elected president of SAFF

Kazi Md. Salahuddin has been re-elected as President of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) at the SAFF Ordinary Congress held in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Saturday.

Salahuddin was elected unopposed by the Congress, which was attended by representatives from all SAFF Member Associations and representatives from FIFA and AFC, said a press release.

Jaswar Umaru Lebbe, President of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka, was also elected unopposed as Vice President of SAFF. Meanwhile, Zimbiri of the Bhutan Football Federation was elected unopposed as the Female Executive Committee Member.

The election process was conducted by Shifan Maharoof, Chairperson of the SAFF Electoral Committee, in accordance with the SAFF Statutes and the Rules Governing the Congress.

Hussain Shafiu of the Football Association of Maldives (FAM), who is also the Vice President of the FAM, was elected to the SAFF Executive Committee.

Similarly, Nalapad Ahmed Haris of All India Football Federation (AIFF), Vice President of the AIFF, was co-opted as a Vice President of SAFF by the executive committee after the Congress.

Meanwhile, Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran will continue serving as the AFC Member representing SAFF till the current AFC term.

Following his re-election, Salahuddin expressed his gratitude to the Member Associations for the trust and confidence they have placed in him over the years. He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing football across South Asia through the introduction of new competitions and expanded capacity-building initiatives. He emphasised that the region’s footballing potential can reach unprecedented heights through unity, collaboration, and a shared vision among all stakeholders. 

“I am deeply honoured to have been elected to serve South Asian football for the next term. I accept this responsibility with humility and a firm commitment to work in the best interests of our game and our region.

I would also like to congratulate my fellow Executive Committee members who have been elected today. I look forward to working closely with each of them as we continue our collective efforts to strengthen football across South Asia.

On behalf of the Executive Committee, I wish to thank the Electoral Committee for conducting the election process in a professional, transparent, and impartial manner.

I would also like to convey our appreciation to FIFA and the AFC for their continued support and guidance. Their partnership remains vital to the growth and development of football in our region.

The years ahead present significant opportunities for South Asian football. 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 for players, coaches, referees, and administrators throughout our Member Associations.”

The Congress concluded with a renewed commitment from all Member Associations to work collectively toward the continued development and success of football in South Asia.