Bangladesh to replace India as tournament host

CHENNAI (Reuters) - Bangladesh have been selected to host this year's South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) championship after India withdrew their offer to stage the tournament.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said on Friday the eight-nation event would now be held in Dhaka from Dec. 1-15.

India officials did not provide any details about their decision to withdraw as hosts but local media said it was possibly related to visa issues with the Pakistan team.

There are eight countries entered in the biennial event: defending champions Maldives, India, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Link...