AIFF

SPORTSPERSONS OF OUTSTANDING MERIT (SOM): ROSTER AND ELIGIBILITY

Jul 25, 2026 | News

Registration of Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) – Madhya Pradesh Football Association (MPFA)

The Madhya Pradesh Football Association (MPFA) invites eligible footballers to register as Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) in accordance with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 and the National Sports Governance Rules, 2026.

MPFA shall constitute and maintain an official roster of eligible SOMs, which will be published on the MPFA website and submitted periodically to the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Separate rosters will be maintained for male and female Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit.

1. Obligation to Constitute SOM Roster

  • MPFA shall constitute and maintain an official roster of Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM).
  • Separate rosters shall be maintained for male and female sportspersons.
  • The roster shall be published on the official MPFA website.
  • A copy of the roster shall be submitted to AIFF at prescribed intervals.

2. General Eligibility Criteria

Applicants seeking recognition as a Sportsperson of Outstanding Merit (SOM) must satisfy all of the following conditions:

  • Must be an Indian citizen.
  • Must be of sound mind.
  • Must be at least 25 years of age.
  • Must have retired from active competitive football and should not have participated in any competition leading to selection for District, State or National representation for at least one year prior to application.
  • Must not be serving any suspension or ban imposed by MPFA or any competent authority.
  • Must not have been convicted of any criminal offence.

3. Tier-Based Eligibility

In addition to the general eligibility criteria, applicants must satisfy the applicable Tier-based eligibility requirements prescribed by MPFA.

4. SOM Roster Process

  • Roster preparation shall begin from Tier 1 and continue downward to Tier 10.
  • The roster must be finalized at least 90 days before the expiry of the existing Executive Committee.
  • The finalized roster shall be published on the MPFA website.
  • The roster shall be circulated to all affiliated District Football Associations (DFAs).
  • The finalized roster shall also be submitted to the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
  • The Executive Committee shall approve the roster in accordance with Rule 6(1) of the National Sports Governance Rules, 2026.

5. Application Process

MPFA shall issue a public notification inviting eligible footballers to apply for recognition as Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM).

Applications must be submitted within 60 days from the date of the notification in the prescribed format.

6. Tier-wise Eligibility for Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM)

Tier 1

  • Represented the Senior or Age-Group National Team of India in officially recognized international competitions.
  • Participated in FIFA or AFC recognized competitions.
  • Received national-level individual awards such as AIFF Player of the Year or equivalent.

Tier 2

  • Won Gold, Silver or Bronze Medal in National Championships.
  • Secured a Top-3 position in competitions such as Santosh Trophy or other AIFF-recognized tournaments.
  • Member of a team finishing in the Top-3 positions in such competitions.

Tier 3

  • Played at least 10 matches in AIFF-recognized professional leagues.
  • Registered with a club participating in such leagues for at least 2 seasons.

Tier 4

  • Participated in at least 5 sanctioned national-level matches under AIFF.

Tier 5

  • Participated in at least 1 sanctioned national-level match under AIFF.

Tier 6

  • Represented the State or District Association in at least 10 matches in Khelo India or other AIFF-recognized competitions.

Tier 7

  • Represented a recognized University in Inter-University competitions including Khelo India University Games.
  • Participated in at least 10 matches.

Tier 8

  • Demonstrated continuous participation in football by representing State, District or recognized leagues for a minimum period of 5 years.

Tier 9

  • Received State-level awards or recognitions for sporting excellence.
  • Officially recognized by Government authorities or Sports Bodies for contribution to football.

Tier 10

  • Former players who represented State or National level competitions.
  • Currently serving football as a coach, referee, technical official or administrator within recognized football structures.

How to Apply

Eligible footballers are requested to submit the completed and signed application through any of the following methods:

  • Email the application to MPFA@the-AIFF.com
  • Submit through the official Google Application Form.
  • Send the application by post to the Hon. Secretary, MPFA.

Registration Links

Application Form:
https://forms.gle/k5RkU6wa9mZH6oSp9

Google Registration Form (SOM):
https://forms.gle/vo476hAiXv4o2zFBA

Submission Deadline

Last Date for Submission: 31 August 2026

Postal Address

Hon. Secretary
Madhya Pradesh Football Association (MPFA)
Wright Town Stadium,
Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

MPFA Office Bearers

President

Shri G. K. Shrivastava
14, Comfort Bungalow,
Behind Janki Nagar,
Chuna Bhatti, Kolar Road,
Bhopal
Phone: 0755-2424149

Working President

Prof. Alok Chansoria
Chansoria Compound,
Sadar Cantt,
Jabalpur
Mobile: 9425150888

Hon. Secretary

Shri Amit Ranjan Deb
Wright Town Stadium,
Jabalpur
Mobile: 9425862511, 7974045366
Email: mpfa@the-aiff.com

Public Notice

All affiliated District Football Associations (DFAs) are requested to give wide publicity to this notification among eligible footballers through all available communication channels.

Eligible applicants are encouraged to complete the registration process on or before 31 August 2026.