10/05/2026
JKFA Stakeholders Demand Withdrawal of Court Cases, Seek Early Elections
Sopore, May 10: A crucial meeting of stakeholders of the Jammu and Kashmir Football Association (JKFA) was held in Sopore on Sunday, with representatives from almost all District Football Associations (DFAs) and Zonal Football Associations (ZFAs) of Kashmir Valley participating.
The meeting was convened to discuss measures for removing hurdles in the smooth functioning of JKFA and ensuring the conduct of the long-awaited elections in a transparent and democratic manner.
During the meeting, elected representatives of various DFAs and ZFAs expressed serious concern over the delay in football activities and JKFA elections, alleging that certain individuals had stalled the process by filing multiple court cases.
The participants unanimously demanded immediate withdrawal of all such cases in the larger interest of football in Jammu and Kashmir and set a deadline of 10 to 15 days for the concerned persons to withdraw the cases to allow the election process to move forward without further delay.
The stakeholders also appealed to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to send observers for the forthcoming JKFA elections to ensure complete transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
A Coordination Committee comprising senior football representatives was constituted to oversee matters related to elections and football activities. The committee will be headed by Gulzar Ahmad (President, DFA Zone Pattan), Mohammad Amin Malik (President, DFA Anantnag), Noor Mohammad (Secretary, DFA Zone Sopore), Firdous Ahmad (President, DFA Zone Handwara), Irshad Ahmad (President, DFA Bandipora) and Asim Aijaz (President, DFA Zone Sonawari), who will also serve as Media and Communications Incharge.
The meeting reiterated the stakeholders’ commitment to conduct elections on the principle of “One Vote, One Club” in a free, fair and democratic atmosphere.
A separate committee was also formed to coordinate with the AIFF regarding alignment of the JKFA Constitution with the AIFF Constitution, National Sports Code and guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court of India.
The stakeholders reaffirmed their collective resolve for the revival, development and democratic functioning of football in Jammu and Kashmir.
Among those present were Altaf Ahmad (President, DFA Baramulla), Abdul Qayoum (President, DFA Ganderbal), Imtiyaz Ahmad (President, DFA Kupwara), Sajad Ahmad (Treasurer, DFA Kulgam), Yawar Ahmad (Secretary, DFA Zone Rafiabad), John Mohammad (Secretary, DFA Zone Pattan), Farooq Ahmad (Secretary, DFA Zone Bandipora), Sameer-ul-Haq (Secretary, DFA Zone Pampore), Basharat Ahmad (Treasurer, DFA Zone Pampore), besides several other representatives from across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting also resolved to approach and support stakeholders from Jammu division, stating that they too were facing difficulties due to interference by non-footballing elements and third parties in football affairs.