The 15th edition of the men’s SAFF Championship will be held in Dhaka in November. The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) released the tournament schedule on Tuesday. The competition will begin on November 5 and conclude on November 17. Hosts Bangladesh will take the field on the opening day.

India and Pakistan will face each other in the opening match of the tournament, while Bangladesh will take on Bhutan in the second match of the day.

Bangladesh have been drawn in Group A alongside Sri Lanka and Bhutan. Group B consists of India, Pakistan and the Maldives. All matches of the six-team tournament will be played at the Dhaka National Stadium.

Nepal will not be able to participate in this edition due to a FIFA suspension. The world football governing body recently suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) indefinitely over allegations of third-party interference.

However, the suspension could be lifted at any time if the required conditions are fulfilled. If Nepal becomes free from the FIFA suspension by September 30, there will still be an opportunity for the team to be included in the tournament.

The SAFF organizers said that if Nepal is granted permission to participate, a revised schedule will be issued. In that case, Nepal could be placed in Group A to give the hosts, Bangladesh, the opportunity to play more matches. However, no final decision has yet been announced on the matter.

Bangladesh’s Match Schedule at a Glance

Bangladesh vs Bhutan
November 5 — 8:00 PM

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
November 11 — 8:00 PM

Semi-Finals

November 14 — 3:00 PM (First Semi-Final)
November 14 — 8:30 PM (Second Semi-Final)

Final

November 17 — 8:00 PM