Dhaka, September 14 2015: In a big boost for football in South Asia, the regional SAFF Championship has secured its first ever title sponsor and this year’s edition will be named the SAFF Suzuki Cup 2015.
The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) announced today that Suzuki Motor Corporation will support the ninth edition of the premier regional competition in the Indian city of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, from December 23, 2015, to January 3, 2016.
Afghanistan are the defending champions having won the 2013 SAFF Championship with a 2-0 victory over holders and six-time winners India.
“Today, football in South Asia is developing rapidly and we are proud that the SAFF Championship is South Asia’s top football event. This year we welcome Suzuki as our title sponsor. We look forward to Suzuki’s support in building the profile of SAFF Suzuki Cup and elevating its stature across Asia,” said Kazi Md. Salahuddin, President, SAFF.
“We are honored to become title sponsor of SAFF Suzuki Cup 2015. With SAFF sponsorship, we hope to contribute to the growing popularity of football in South Asia. Also, we would appreciate it if more people get to know our brand through this opportunity.” said Kinji Saito, Managing Officer, Suzuki Motor Cooperation.
Mr Praful Patel, President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), said that the country was proud to be hosting the tournament for the third time.
“It is a great pleasure to host the SAFF Championship in India once again. This time the SAFF Suzuki Cup will be held at the newly launched The Sports Hub, Thiruvananthapuram, which is a world-class complex,” he said.
Hosts India will go into the hat with holders Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka when the official draw for the SAFF Suzuki Cup 2015 is made on September 16 in New Delhi.
The teams will be drawn into two groups of four with the leading two sides after the round-robin stage progressing to the semi-finals.
SAFF President Kazi Md. Salahuddin will be in attendance at the draw along with a host of key Federation guests.