SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Football Association (JKFA) is finally set to elect its new executive body on November 25, bringing the long-pending exercise to a crucial stage after years of administrative uncertainty, disputes and legal proceedings.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF), with the support and facilitation of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council (JKSC), has initiated the election process in compliance with an October 27, 2026, court order. The election will be conducted under the previously existing JKFA Constitution, along with applicable Model Election Guidelines and the National Sports Code.
The development marks an important moment for football administration in Jammu and Kashmir, where the absence of a regularly elected executive body has remained a major concern among football stakeholders, affiliated clubs and district associations.
According to the election notification issued by the Returning Officer, the process will be conducted under independent election supervision, with the eligibility of voting members, district associations and affiliated clubs determined in accordance with the existing JKFA Constitution.
Court order clears the way for elections
The latest election exercise follows the directions issued on October 27 by the Court of the Fourth Additional District Judge, Srinagar, in Original Suit No. 1436/2023 (CNR No. JKSG020025072023).
The court directed that the JKFA executive body elections be conducted under the association’s existing Constitution, alongside applicable Model Election Guidelines and the National Sports Code.
The Returning Officer has accordingly initiated the election process, making it clear that only members and their authorised representatives eligible under the existing Constitution will form part of the Electoral College.
The notification also specifies that the present exercise is confined exclusively to constituting the executive body of the JKFA.
AIFF and Sports Council hold consultations with stakeholders
Before initiating the election proceedings, the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council convened a high-level consultative meeting with visiting AIFF representatives and JKFA stakeholders on November 2 at the Conference Hall of the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), Srinagar.
Representatives of football clubs, district associations and other stakeholders were invited to participate in the deliberations.
The meeting was intended to address important governance issues, particularly the eligibility of voting members, genuine district representation and the need for a clearly defined election procedure under independent supervision.
The Sports Council emphasised that the larger interest and long-term development of football in Jammu and Kashmir must remain central to the entire exercise.
Stakeholders unable to attend physically were also given the option of participating virtually.
Following the consultations, the AIFF moved forward with the election proceedings, while the Sports Council assured full cooperation in facilitating a transparent and orderly process.
Detailed election schedule announced
The election notification has laid down a time-bound schedule covering the preparation of the Electoral College, filing of nominations, scrutiny and polling.
The draft list of eligible members and their authorised representatives is scheduled to be published on November 5.
Eligible members can submit objections or representations concerning the draft Electoral College on November 6 and 7, between 11 am and 3 pm.
After examining the objections, the Returning Officer will publish the final Electoral College on November 10.
The schedule for the remaining election process is as follows:
November 5: Publication of draft Electoral College.
November 6–7: Submission of objections and representations regarding the draft Electoral College.
November 10: Publication of the final Electoral College.
November 11–13: Submission of nomination papers for executive body positions.
November 14–18: Submission of objections to candidature.
November 21: Publication of the list of validly nominated candidates.
November 22: Last date for withdrawal of candidature.
November 25: Polling and election of the new JKFA executive body.
The Returning Officer will scrutinise nomination papers and determine the eligibility of candidates under the existing Constitution.
Where the number of validly nominated candidates for a particular position is equal to or less than the available vacancies, the candidate or candidates may be declared elected unopposed, subject to the applicable constitutional provisions.
Counting will begin immediately after polling concludes. In the event of a tie, the matter will be decided according to the relevant provisions of the JKFA Constitution and applicable election guidelines.
Electoral College and district representation emerge as crucial issues
One of the most significant aspects of the upcoming election is the constitution of the Electoral College.
The eligibility of District Football Associations, affiliated football clubs and other constituent members, including their voting rights and representation, will be determined strictly under the previously existing JKFA Constitution.
This makes the preparation and finalisation of the Electoral College particularly important, as it will determine who gets to participate in the election and decide the association’s future leadership.
The emphasis on genuine district representation also assumes significance given the geographical spread of football in Jammu and Kashmir and the need to ensure that affiliated units have a meaningful voice in the administration of the sport.
The process of examining eligibility claims and objections will therefore be an important test of transparency and fairness.
Years of uncertainty put football administration under scrutiny
The JKFA election process has remained pending for several years, with administrative disputes, disagreements over governance and court proceedings delaying the installation of a regularly elected executive body.
In August 2026, the AIFF had reportedly set October 20 as the deadline for overdue state and Union Territory football associations, including JKFA, to complete their elections. The federation had also warned that failure to establish democratically elected bodies could have implications for affiliation and participation in national football activities.
The AIFF subsequently engaged with stakeholders to facilitate the process and address the constitutional and administrative complications surrounding the JKFA elections.
The latest court-directed exercise has now provided a defined roadmap for completing the process.
November 25 election carries significance beyond the change of leadership
The upcoming election is not merely about choosing a president, general secretary or other office-bearers. It represents an opportunity to restore institutional stability and establish accountable football administration in Jammu and Kashmir.
The new executive body will inherit several important responsibilities, including strengthening district-level football, improving club administration, expanding grassroots competitions, creating better opportunities for young footballers and ensuring effective coordination with the AIFF.
Equally important will be the need to rebuild confidence among affiliated clubs, district associations, players and other stakeholders.
Football in Jammu and Kashmir has a substantial grassroots following and has produced talented players who have represented the region at national levels. However, the development of the sport requires an administrative structure that is transparent, representative and focused on football rather than prolonged institutional disputes.
With the Electoral College process now underway, attention will shift towards the final list of voters, the candidates entering the contest and the nature of representation in the proposed executive body.
Whether the November 25 election succeeds in bringing all sections of the football fraternity together will be determined not only by the conduct of polling but also by the inclusiveness, credibility and functioning of the administration that emerges from it.
For Jammu and Kashmir football, the expectation is clear: the election should mark the beginning of a new chapter in which the interests of players, clubs and the game take precedence over administrative differences.
