Kazi Salahuddin, Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) and South Asian Football Federation (Saff) president, is likely to retain the latter post.
Salahuddin received indications to that effect from All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) president Ganesh Thapa and Saff general secretary and former Indian football federation secretary Alberto Colaco during his short visit to Nepal recently.
The BFF boss hinted about the Saff election before leaving for Nepal to attend the Saff Champion draw program, which was held on August 31. After returning from Nepal, Salahuddin said that processing of Saff election had started. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Saff will be held on September 10, as the Saff Championship is being played during September 1-11 in Nepal. It will take 10 or 12 more days to finalise the election date.
Salahuddin said that his main challenge will be to hold the Saff Club Championship, where the champions and runners-up of all Saff country's premier leagues would take part. It is speculated that the main obstacle to holding the tournament is getting India's approval, but Salahuddin pledged and hoped to convince India if he re-elected as president. "Every problem has a solution. If India agrees, there will be no financial crisis too. Hopefully I can manage to convince India," he said.
Salahuddin took charge of Saff four years ago on October 3, 2009. During his tenure, he has arranged Women's Saff and U-16 Saff Championship for the first time. Salahuddin is planning to add a U-18 championship as well.
Salahuddin also talked about Bangladesh's grouping in the upcoming Saff Championship. "This is a tough group undoubtedly. But our target is to become the champion, so we don't have scope to worry about our group opponents."
