New Delhi: The All India Football Federation is likely to postpone its scheduled elections by three months after receiving a “no objection” from FIFA, allowing the governing body more time to align its constitution with the new National Sports Governance Act 2025.
According to reports, the elections, initially expected to take place around September 2026, may now be held in December. The extension is intended to give the federation sufficient time to incorporate structural changes required under the new sports governance law and its accompanying regulations.
Current AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey was elected on September 2, 2022, for a four year term. While the next election was originally expected before the completion of his tenure, the introduction of the new legislation prompted the federation to request additional time to update its constitution and administrative framework.
Officials within the federation have indicated that continuing with the existing leadership for a short period will help ensure the smooth functioning of football administration in the country while the necessary reforms are implemented.
In a communication to stakeholders, AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan referenced a notice issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in December 2025. The ministry acknowledged that major structural adjustments were required for national sports federations to comply with the new law and allowed a one time extension for organisations whose elections fall within the current calendar year. Under this provision, federations can conduct their elections by December 31.
FIFA has supported this approach while emphasising the need for continued coordination during the amendment process. The global governing body has requested the AIFF to keep both FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation informed about the constitutional revisions and provide a roadmap detailing the key changes and expected timelines for compliance.
Meanwhile, the AIFF has directed its member associations across the country to adopt the required constitutional amendments by June 30, 2026, with the aim of establishing uniform governance standards among state and district football bodies.
