AIFF Releases 40-Member SOM Roster Ahead of 2026 Elections; Bhaichung Bhutia and Bembem Devi Included
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced its 40-member Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) roster ahead of the federation's 2026 elections. The list features several prominent former Indian international footballers, including former national team captain Bhaichung Bhutia and celebrated women's footballer Oinam Bembem Devi.
The roster has been divided equally between men and women, with 20 names in each category. The announcement marks an important step in the process of providing former footballers with representation in the administration of Indian football.
According to the election schedule, four members will be elected from the 40-member roster to the AIFF General Body. The selection will include two male and two female representatives. The SOM election is scheduled for November 23, 2026, while the broader AIFF elections are scheduled for December 20.
Bhaichung Bhutia and I.M. Vijayan Among the Men's Names
The men's roster includes some of the most recognised names in Indian football. Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia is among the prominent candidates, alongside former international stars such as I.M. Vijayan and Bruno Coutinho.
Other names on the men's list include Sethumadhavan, Victor Manjilla, Abdul Majeed Kakroo, K.T. Chacko, U. Sharaf Ali, Mushtaqe Ali, Santosh Kashyap, K.A. Anson and Bhupinder Thakur.
Raman Vijayan, Syed Shabir Pasha, Jo Paul Ancheri, Abdul Hakkim, Climax Lawrence, K.V. Dhanesh and K. Ajayan are also included.
The complete men's roster comprises Bruno Coutinho, I.M. Vijayan, Bhaichung Bhutia, Sethumadhavan, Victor Manjilla, Abdul Majeed Kakroo, K.T. Chacko, U. Sharaf Ali, Mushtaqe Ali, Santosh Kashyap, K.A. Anson, Bhupinder Thakur, Mohammed Yusuf Ansari, K.V. Dhanesh, Raman Vijayan, Syed Shabir Pasha, Jo Paul Ancheri, Abdul Hakkim, Climax Lawrence and K. Ajayan.
Bembem Devi and Other Former Women's International Players Included
The women's roster also features several important names from the history of Indian women's football. Oinam Bembem Devi, who has represented India at the international level and made a significant contribution to the development of the women's game, is among the 20 players.
Former Indian women's team goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan and defender L. Ashalata Devi are also included. Other names include Chitra Gangadharan, S. Lalitha, Mario Rebello, Sradhanjali Samantaray, Shukla Datta and Bentla D'Coth.
The remaining names on the women's roster are Meenu Solanki, Uvena Fernandes, P. Shivashankari, Disha Malhotra Julka, Swati Rawat, M. Mary Margaret, Subhitha Poovatta, Sheeba VV, Teena L. Volvojkar, Kalpana Dass and Vanitha Gadaily.
The inclusion of former international players from different generations provides the women's category with representation from across Indian football's history.
One Active Player's Inclusion Draws Attention
The inclusion of L. Ashalata Devi has attracted attention because of questions surrounding the retirement requirement for SOM candidates.
When the AIFF invited applications in July 2026, it stated that eligible applicants should have retired from active competition. The eligibility conditions also specified that candidates should not have participated in an event leading to district, state or national selection for at least one year before submitting their applications.
Ashalata Devi, however, has continued to be associated with club football despite her international career. Her name appearing on the SOM roster has therefore prompted questions about how the eligibility criteria were applied.
The available announcement does not provide a detailed explanation of the basis for her inclusion. The issue should therefore be viewed as a question surrounding the published list rather than a confirmed finding of an eligibility violation.
Four Members to Be Elected to the AIFF General Body
Although the roster contains 40 names, all listed individuals will not automatically become members of the AIFF General Body.
Four representatives will be selected through the SOM election scheduled for November 23. The representation will be divided equally, with two places for men and two for women.
The four elected representatives will receive voting rights in the AIFF General Body. Their participation is intended to provide former sportspersons with a formal role in the federation's decision-making process.
The election is particularly significant for former players who have spent years representing India and contributing to the development of the sport. Their involvement in administration could provide an additional perspective on matters affecting players, competitions and the wider football structure.
SOM Roster Under the National Sports Governance Framework
The formation of the SOM roster is linked to the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, and the National Sports Governance Rules, 2026.
In July 2026, the AIFF invited applications from eligible retired footballers to prepare separate rosters for men and women. The federation announced that each list would contain 20 names.
The application process allowed eligible former players to apply directly to the AIFF. They were required to submit supporting documents relating to their age, Indian citizenship and sporting achievements.
The eligibility framework recognised achievements across different levels of competition, including the Olympic Games, World Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, National Games and national championships.
The initiative is intended to strengthen the representation of sportspersons in national sports federations and provide former athletes with opportunities to participate in governance.
AIFF Elections Scheduled for December 20
Retired Haryana State Election Commissioner Rajeev Sharma has taken charge as the Electoral Officer for the upcoming AIFF election process. Following his appointment, the SOM roster was released and the federation's election code of conduct came into effect.
The SOM election will take place on November 23, 2026. The four selected representatives will subsequently participate in the AIFF General Body proceedings, with the broader federation elections scheduled for December 20.
The announcement of the 40-member roster has brought several familiar names from Indian football into focus. However, the November election will determine which four individuals secure representation in the General Body.
With former stars such as Bhaichung Bhutia, I.M. Vijayan and Oinam Bembem Devi featuring on the list, the upcoming selection process is expected to attract attention from Indian football supporters and stakeholders.
