SAFF Championship Explained: Format, Teams and Past Winners
The SAFF Championship is the main international football tournament of South Asia. Organised by the South Asian Football Federation, it brings together national teams from the region. India is the most successful men's team, while Bangladesh won the men's title in 2003 and the women's title in 2022 and 2024.
Which countries take part?
SAFF currently has seven member associations:
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- India
- Maldives
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
Afghanistan was formerly a member and won the title in 2013, before leaving SAFF to join the Central Asian Football Association. Guest teams from outside the region have also been invited to some recent editions.
How the tournament works
The men's competition is usually held every two years, with some exceptions in the calendar. The most common format is:
- Group stage: teams are split into groups and play each other once.
- Semi-finals: the top two from each group advance.
- Final: a single match decides the champion, with extra time and penalties if needed.
The format has changed over time. The first edition in 1993 was a round-robin, with the group leader declared champion, and some editions have used a single league table. Group rankings use points first; see how tables work in our league table guide.
The history of the men's tournament
The competition began in 1993 as the South Asian Gold Cup and has since been known as the SAFF Gold Cup and the SAFF Championship. India have dominated, winning nine of the first 14 editions. The other champions are:
| Team | Notable titles |
|---|---|
| India | Nine titles up to and including 2023 |
| Maldives | Two titles, including 2018 |
| Bangladesh | 2003, on home soil in Dhaka |
| Sri Lanka | 1995 |
| Afghanistan | 2013 |
Nepal reached their first final in 2021.
Bangladesh's 2003 triumph
Bangladesh hosted the 2003 tournament, with the final in Dhaka in January 2003. They beat the Maldives in a penalty shoot-out to claim their first SAFF title. It remains their only men's title in this competition so far, and one of the proudest moments in the country's football history. Read more in our guide to football in Bangladesh.
The SAFF Women's Championship
The women's tournament began in 2010, hosted by Bangladesh, with India winning the first title by beating Nepal 1-0. India then dominated the early editions, before Bangladesh broke through:
- 2022: Bangladesh beat Nepal 3-1 in Kathmandu to win their first title.
- 2024: Bangladesh beat Nepal 2-1 in Kathmandu to retain the trophy.
Why the tournament matters
Few South Asian teams qualify regularly for continental finals, so SAFF is a rare chance to compete for a major trophy. It also gives young players international experience and creates passionate regional rivalries. Age-group SAFF tournaments, such as under-16 and under-19 competitions, help develop the next generation.
Frequently asked questions
Who has won the most SAFF Championships?
India, with nine men's titles through the 2023 edition.
What does SAFF stand for?
South Asian Football Federation.
Is Afghanistan in SAFF?
No, it is no longer a member.
Where can I follow SAFF matches?
When the tournament is available from our data provider, you can find fixtures, results and tables on the EHScore Tournament tab.