News

Phagwara, 8 July 2026: The Punjab Football Association (PFA) has adopted the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 and the National Sports Governance Rules, 2026. In accordance with the governance norms prescribed therein, the PFA has invited applications from eligible retired football players for inclusion in its Roster of Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOMs) in both male and female categories.

The Roster of Male and Female SOMs will be maintained in accordance with the requirements of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 and the applicable National Sports Governance Rules. The roster will comprise 20 Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit in each category.

Applicants must fulfil all eligibility criteria prescribed under the relevant NSG Rules, AIFF advisories and the PFA Constitution. Among eligible applicants, preference for inclusion in the SOM roster will be determined on the basis of the tier system prescribed under Clause 2, Schedule I of the NSG Rules, with higher tiers receiving preference. In the event that the number of eligible applicants within a particular tier exceeds the available positions, seniority by age will be the determining criterion.

Eligibility Criteria

As on the date of submission of the application, an applicant must:

Be a citizen of India;

Have been born within the territory of Punjab;

Be at least 25 years of age;

Be of sound mind;

Have retired from active competition and not have participated in any competitive event leading to selection for national, state, district (for any championship) or club (for any league) representation for at least one year; and

Satisfy at least one of the tier criteria prescribed under Clause 2, Schedule I of the NSG Rules.

Application Process

Eligible applicants are required to submit the following documents in physical or digital format:

Duly completed application form as prescribed in Annexure 2;

Proof of age, such as Elector's Photo Identity Card (Voter ID), Aadhaar Card issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India, or a valid Passport issued by the Ministry of External Affairs;

Proof of citizenship, such as a registered birth certificate (along with the parents' birth certificate where applicable for applicants born after 1 July 1987), or a Certificate of Registration/Certificate of Naturalisation issued by the Government of India;

Documentary evidence establishing fulfilment of the applicable tier criteria under Clause 2, Schedule I of the NSG Rules; and

Any additional documents specified in the application form.

Submission of Applications

Applications must reach the Punjab Football Association on or before 10 September 2026.

Applicants may submit their applications directly to the PFA through either of the following modes:

By Email: