Thiruvananthapuram, March 14 (NationPress) As the Assembly elections approach, two prominent figures from Kerala's football scene, I.M. Vijayan and U. Sharaf Ali, have been the subject of political discussions, sparking curiosity about their potential entry into the political arena.

However, on Saturday, I.M. Vijayan decisively squashed any rumors, stating that he has no intention of running for office.

This announcement has now shifted the focus entirely to Sharaf Ali, who is anticipated to be nominated by the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front to contest from the football-passionate Nilambur constituency in Malappuram district.

His candidacy seems assured, especially after he recently stepped down as the President of the Kerala State Sports Council, a position he held since 2023.

Vijayan, revered as one of India’s footballing greats and a former captain of the national team, had been a potential candidate for electoral politics.

The ex-striker, who forged a powerful partnership with Bhaichung Bhutia during the late 1990s and early 2000s, remains a key figure in Indian football.

With an impressive record of 29 international goals in 72 appearances and having captained the national side from 2000 to 2004, Vijayan later transitioned into coaching and grassroots initiatives, founding a football academy in his hometown to cultivate young talent.

He received the Arjuna Award in 2003 and was honored with the Padma Shri in 2025 for his contributions to the sport.

Last year, Vijayan concluded his tenure with the Kerala Police, where he served in two distinct periods.

On the other hand, Sharaf Ali presents a contrasting background as he steps into the political arena.

A former Indian international defender hailing from Malappuram, he was an integral member of the famed Kerala Police football team that dominated the domestic scene in the 1990s.

Alongside teammates like V.P. Sathyan and C.V. Pappachan, Sharaf played a significant role in the Kerala team's triumphs in the Santosh Trophy in both 1992 and 1993.

He also represented India during the 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and ascended through the ranks within the Kerala Police, ultimately serving as a commandant.

In recent years, he has transitioned into sports administration.

With Vijayan stepping back from political aspirations, the electoral battle in Nilambur may largely depend on Sharaf Ali, a footballer whose popularity in the heart of Malappuram could provide a substantial political advantage as the campaign intensifies.

He is set to face off against sitting Congress legislator Aryadan Shoukath, who secured his first victory in a bye-election last year.