Finally, i am very very happy to read this. I have always hoped for these things since 2011 and regularly say in IFN during every edition of SAFF cup. We will get better opponents now. Though it could have been full merger instead of leaving out others because this is football and not politics.
From the frying pan into the fire. Earlier we were among the minnows of football, now we have joined hands with the cheaters of football - the Arabs. South East Asia would have been so much better.
Totally against this merger , can't agree bringing political matters in to football. All the member nations are dancing to someone's tune who has vested interests .
As of now, India stays in SAFF. According to AFC website, AFC have divided Asian countries into Asean, East West, central and South and nothing has changed officially.
This newly formed South West Asian Football Federation is essentially just a power bloc as of now. No recognition and no declaration from any official channel. It was formed so hurriedly that Nepal and bhutan representative failed to reach in time. Aspirations of new Saudi prince, their damaging relations with other middle east countries, crisis in Iran, Qatar, Syria, yemen as well as voting for USA bid of World Cup has led to formation of this Bloc.
Football is supposed to be beyond any politics. Thats why the HQ was chosen to be in Switzerland-neutral country.
Two countries are in the fray - USA and Morocco.Trump has issued threats or warning against countries voting against them to Morocco. Now there are people in FIFA which are unhappy with the treatment that Sepp Blatter got. He was removed because Qatar won the bid instead of USA.
This time again African and Asian countries may vote differently to Morocco. Both AFC and WAFF heads are supporting Morocco bid. As Saudi prince is friend of Donald Trump, maybe he is trying to fish out some votes by making a bloc using financial power. Voting is next month.
Mr. Kushal Das said India will continue to be part of SAFF as earlier
“As
I understand, SAFF will continue. This is an additional regional
federation. As such, none of the regional federations are recognised by
the AFC. But for sure, we will join only after the AFC confirms it.
Nothing has changed. India continues to be part of SAFF. AFC decides the associations. Such regional federations like South West Asian Football federation has no legal standing.
Even if it gets approved, i would expect India to politely move out of this fed and join ASEAN . This is politics being meddled in football and India’s position vis a vis other regional partners will be hurt.
Next meeting of SWAFF is on 25th May. Nepal and Bhutan will also join SWAFF in later stages. AFC approval is just a matter of time. I have read many news articles regarding this. Some by Saudi media too.
Comments
We will get better opponents now. Though it could have been full merger instead of leaving out others because this is football and not politics.
Mr. Kushal Das said India will continue to be part of SAFF as earlier
“As I understand, SAFF will continue. This is an additional regional federation. As such, none of the regional federations are recognised by the AFC. But for sure, we will join only after the AFC confirms it.