Kuwait and Lebanon confirmed for SAFF tournament after Sri Lanka ban

The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) has invited Kuwait and Lebanon to participate in the 14th edition of SAFF Cup 2023, with Sri Lanka missing the tournament for the first time as a result of its standing FIFA ban.

This tournament will be held from June 21 to July 4 in Bengaluru, India.

Sri Lanka has taken part in every edition of the SAFF Cup since its inception in 1997 but because of the FIFA ban, SAFF’s executive committee decided to invite teams from outside the region.

Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Kuwait, Lebanon, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan are the other eight countries in SAFF.

Pakistan who were earlier suspended by FIFA are also participating in the SAFF. (By Susil Premalal)