AIFF Invites Applications As It Moves To Form Players’ Association

The All India Football Federation is planning to establish its own National Players’ Association and has started accepting registrations, outlining criteria for interested applicants who have played football at an elite level in the nation.

The NPA will be an independent body represented by football players.

According to Schedule IV, Article 1.4 of the AIFF Constitution, the NPA is not a separate legal entity and, therefore, cannot act on behalf of AIFF or represent it to any third parties. The NPA has no authority to legally bind or commit AIFF in any manner.

The AIFF announced that elections for the NPA board’s office bearers will be conducted by the federation’s election committee.

To apply for NPA membership, a player must be at least 18 years

old and meet one of the following criteria: (a) Represented India at the senior level in men’s or women’s football at least once; (b) Represented India in five or more matches at the age group level in men’s or women’s football; or (c) Played in five or more matches in the Indian Super League, I-League, Women’s Super League, Futsal Club Championship, Super Cup tournaments, or five or more matches in the Santosh Trophy or National Games.

The NPA office bearers will include a chairperson, treasurer, and secretary, with at least one being a woman, as per the AIFF Constitution.

The term of office for NPA board members is four years, and an individual may not hold office for more than two terms.

Election procedure for eminent players

The NPA is responsible for electing 15 eminent players (as defined in the AIFF Constitution), including a minimum of five women players, who will be voting members of the AIFF general body.

A public notice will be issued at least 30 days before the AIFF general body meeting, calling for nominations from eminent players to conduct elections for these positions.

In addition to the NPA, the AIFF has also opened registration for individuals eligible for memberships in the National Referees’ Association and the National Coaches’ Association.

(With PTI Inputs)