The schedule of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship has sparked a major controversy. Sri Lanka's head coach voiced sharp criticism over the tournament's match timings, sarcastically noting that playing at midnight is an ordeal for the players.

"My wife doesn't talk to me at midnight either," he quipped, highlighting the absurdity of the late-night fixtures. The remark has intensified scrutiny on the organizers' scheduling decisions.

Lankan Coach's Frustration

According to the Sri Lankan coach, teams are being forced to play matches late into the night, which severely disrupts players' physical and mental condition. He stated that starting matches after 11 PM wreaks havoc on the players' sleep cycles. His humorous yet pointed comment underscores how unnatural it is to continue play at such hours. The statement has put the SAFF organizers in an awkward position.

Asif's Wife's Lament

In a separate development, the wife of Bangladeshi player Asif told the media that she has been unable to spend time with her husband due to the tournament's hectic schedule. "We didn't get the chance to roam around like lovers," she expressed with regret. The comment has gone viral on social media, drawing attention to the intense demands of the competition's timetable.

Questions Over Schedule

Multiple teams have reportedly raised concerns about the schedule, citing insufficient recovery time between matches and the strain of late-night games. The organizers have yet to issue an official response. However, with growing criticism, calls for a revised fixture list are gaining momentum.

Next Steps

The SAFF authorities are expected to hold an emergency meeting to address the issue. Ensuring player welfare may necessitate changes to the schedule, though broadcast commitments and venue availability could complicate any alterations.