AIFF Refutes Mohun Bagan SG's Claims Over Player Release for Unity Cup

AIFF Dismisses Club's Allegations

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has categorically rejected media reports suggesting that players from Mohun Bagan SG were released to join the Senior National Men's team for the Unity Cup. This statement was made by the federation in response to claims made by the club.

AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan addressed the issue, stating, "A club representative mentioned in the media that Mohun Bagan SG had contacted the AIFF six days prior, demanding the Federation take responsibility for any injuries incurred outside the FIFA window, alleging a lack of response from us."

He clarified, "No such correspondence exists. The AIFF has sent four letters to all clubs since April 10 regarding India's participation in the Unity Cup in London."

Satyanarayan further countered claims made by the MBSG official regarding the federation's handling of medical expenses, stating, "In the 2025-26 season alone, we have allocated nearly ₹15 lakhs for the treatment of injuries sustained by players across all senior and age group national teams, including their rehabilitation."

"The welfare of our national team players is of utmost importance to the AIFF. We always cover medical and rehabilitation costs for any player injured while with us," he added.

Cooperation Followed by Last-Minute Reversal

Satyanarayan elaborated on how the club had initially cooperated with the biometric VISA process but then reversed their stance unexpectedly.

"All subsequent letters included the event dates and biometric test schedules, which were arranged according to the club's convenience," he noted.

He confirmed that Mohun Bagan SG players attended the biometric test, which was conducted with the club's prior knowledge.

Two additional emails detailing the event were sent to all clubs, including Mohun Bagan SG, but went unacknowledged by the club.

On the night of May 20, the AIFF received an email from MBSG stating that their players would only be released during the FIFA window, instructing the AIFF to coordinate accordingly.

While seven players from MBSG were called up, only six reported to the camp in Bengaluru on May 22, with one player injured. The AIFF Deputy Secretary General mentioned, "The players reached out to our national team manager Velu, indicating they had discussed with their management, who permitted them to join the camp. However, the following morning, the club instructed them via their WhatsApp group not to participate in training outside the FIFA International Window. The head coach Khalid Jamil and manager Velu spoke with the players, who expressed their club's directive to refrain from playing or training outside the FIFA International Window. Some players were emotional as they had made arrangements to leave the camp."

Impact on Players and National Team

Subrata Paul, AIFF's Director of National Teams, expressed disappointment that players who had completed their biometric VISA procedures over a month ago were unable to travel at such a late stage. He acknowledged the pressures clubs face but emphasized the importance of timely communication.

"Given that all parties were informed about this tournament as early as April 10, earlier notification of any concerns would have allowed us to make necessary arrangements and ensure no player missed this significant opportunity. What saddens us most is the broader impact on not just the players involved but also those who could have been called up in their stead," Paul stated.

"We have encountered similar issues in the past during the CAFA Nations Cup and with our U23 national team. Our hope is to find better ways to navigate such situations so that Indian football and every player aspiring to wear the national colors do not suffer the consequences," he concluded.

Timeline of Events

10 April: Initial Communication

The AIFF reached out to Mohun Bagan Super Giant for the first time regarding player requirements for the upcoming international program.

23 April: Biometric Appointment Confirmed

A second email was sent to the club, formally confirming the scheduling of Mohun Bagan players at the VFS Centre in Kolkata for biometric formalities, and requesting the club's cooperation in releasing the players for this process.

First Week of May: Tri-Nation Schedule Shared

All clubs were informed of the tri-nation tournament in Tajikistan via a third communication. The departure schedule was shared, with the squad set to leave from Bangalore on the 24th.

Post-ISL Final Round Draw: Reporting Instructions Issued

After confirming ISL final round fixtures, the AIFF notified clubs that players were required to report in Bangalore on the 22nd. Seven MBSG players were included in the squad; Suhail Bhatt was named as a reserve.

Night Before the ISL Final: Club Raises Objection

For the first time, MBSG communicated that players could only be released during an official FIFA international window -- an objection raised only at this late hour, despite weeks of prior correspondence.

Day After ISL Final (May 22)

Players arrive in Bengaluru for national camp.

Day Before Departure to London (May 23)

Players are ordered by MBSG to not join training session, and to leave national camp.