India, July 18 -- The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Friday invited applications from retired players for inclusion in its Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) roster, a key requirement under the National Sports Governance Act, which the AIFF adopted at its Special General Body Meeting in May.

The federation said it will prepare separate rosters comprising 20 male and 20 female Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit, who meet the eligibility criteria prescribed under the new legal framework. A minimum of four SOMs with voting rights (two male, two female) are required to be inducted into the General Body.

According to the AIFF notice, applicants must be Indian citizens, at least 25 years of age, of sound mind, and must have ret...