India's participation in the SAFF Championship 2026 in Bangladesh is facing uncertainty, with scheduling conflicts, club resistance and the availability of Under-23 players emerging as major concerns for the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

The tournament is scheduled for November 4-17, but India's international commitments and the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) season have complicated the federation's plans.

Although India are the defending champions, a withdrawal remains a possibility and is looking increasingly inevitable.

Why is India likely to withdraw from SAFF Championship?

One of the biggest concerns is the November international calendar. The FIFA international window runs from November 9 to 17, while the SAFF Championship begins earlier in the month. India are also scheduled to travel to New Zealand for two international friendlies. AIFF were poised to send a squad comprising primarily U23 players and reserves, to Bangladesh while the senior team fulfils its commitments in New Zealand. But that plan has taken a fresh hit.

ISL Clubs Reluctant to Release U23 Players

The main obstacle is ISL clubs' reluctance to release their young players outside the FIFA international window. With the domestic season underway, clubs want to retain their players for league fixtures rather than lose them to international duty outside of FIFA window. The FIFA window starts from November 8, and India's first match in the competition is against Pakistan on November 5. And the unwillingness of the clubs to release their players has caused the conundrum.

Why Was the Tournament Shifted to November?

The scheduling controversy becomes more significant because the SAFF Championship was initially expected to take place in October. SAFF General Secretary Purushottam Kattel indicated in June that a move to November was being considered following India's desire to participate in the ASEAN Cup.

The tournament was subsequently scheduled for November in Bangladesh. AIFF officials also attended the draw in Thimphu, Bhutan, on August 1, when India were placed in Group B alongside Maldives and Pakistan.

AIFF must now weigh its options: negotiate with ISL clubs, field a separate squad or reconsider participation altogether. The final decision will depend on player availability and the federation's ability to coordinate its commitments. Although AIFF is yet to confirm the withdrawal, the writing seems already on the wall.

MyKhel tried to contact AIFF officials, but the numbers came back switched off, and another official's number was not reachable.

Story first published: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 15:35 [IST]

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