Former Bangladesh football star Kazi Salahuddin has been re-elected unopposed as President of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF), securing a fifth consecutive term at the helm of the regional governing body.

The election took place during the SAFF Congress held in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Saturday. As no other candidate submitted a nomination for the presidency, Salahuddin was declared elected without the need for a vote.

Salahuddin has served as SAFF President since 2009 and will continue to lead the organisation as it prepares for the 2026 SAFF Championship, which is scheduled to be held in Dhaka from November 4 to 17.

One of the key agenda items at the Congress was the election of SAFF's new Executive Committee. However, the presidential race was uncontested, allowing Salahuddin to retain the position for another four-year term.

Until recently, SAFF's constitution barred individuals over the age of 70 from contesting executive committee positions. However, during a Special General Meeting in Colombo last year, member associations unanimously approved an amendment removing the age restriction, paving the way for Salahuddin's re-election.

Bangladesh also strengthened its representation in the regional body, with Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) Vice-President Sabbir Ahmed Arif elected to the SAFF Executive Committee for the first time.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's Jaswar Umaru Labbe was elected unopposed as a SAFF Vice-President, while Maldives' Hussain Shafee was chosen as another member of the Executive Committee.

The 15th edition of the SAFF Championship will be hosted in Dhaka from November 4 to 17. Earlier this year, the official logo of the tournament was unveiled at a ceremony in the Bangladeshi capital as preparations continue for South Asia's premier international football competition.