The threat of a Fifa ban hangs over the All India Football Federation (AIFF) but the ball has been set rolling for the elections.

The Indian Football Association nominated its chairman Subrata Dutta to the electoral college of the federation on Thursday. Dutta, who was a vice-president during Praful Patel’s reign, ticks all the boxes vis-a-vis the eligibility criteria.

Meghalaya’s Larsing Ming, whose eligibility was in doubt, has also been nominated by the association. The Supreme Court, in its August 3 verdict, has set August 28 as the date for the election.

According to the order, the returning officer will prepare the final list of voters comprising representatives from 36 state associations and 36 eminent football players from all over India — 24 male and 12 female.

Nomination papers can be filed from August 17 to 19 by the candidates and delivered to the returning officer in person or by post. The Committee of Administrators (CoA) running the sport in the country has already appointed the returning officer for the elections.

There is a buzz that Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal may throw his hat in the ring as a presidential candidate. But with threat of the Fifa ban very much there, it remains to be seen if Sonowal finally agrees to take the plunge.

Assam Football Association president and BJP MLA Naba Kumar Doley is a close associate of Sonowal. Sonowal, the central minister for ports, shipping and waterways, headed the sports ministry when the Modi government took charge in 2014. He was Assam chief minister from 2016 to 2021.

Sonowal is a patron of his state football association. Earlier, the sports ministry officials had a meeting with Fifa. AIFF acting secretary Sunando Dhar and CoA members were also present. It has been learnt there could be another round of meetings on Monday. Fifa has already voiced displeasure over “third-party interference”.