The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has raised strong concerns over the sudden withdrawal of several Mohun Bagan Super Giant footballers from the Indian national team camp ahead of the upcoming Unity Cup. The federation has expressed disappointment over the club’s late decision, claiming it disrupted preparations and affected players mentally.
According to AIFF officials, as reported by Ei Samay Online, seven Mohun Bagan players were initially selected for the national squad before the team’s overseas commitments. While one player reportedly missed the camp due to injury, six others joined the national camp in Bengaluru on May 22. However, within a day, the footballers were allegedly instructed by the club not to take part in training and to leave the camp.
AIFF cites lack of official communication
AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan stated that no formal communication had been received from the club regarding concerns over player injuries or liabilities. He pointed out that all clubs had been informed about India’s participation in the Unity Cup as early as April 10.
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He further noted that the visa biometric procedures for the players were completed with full knowledge of the clubs and that the federation had also shared details of the London tour schedule earlier in May.
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Satyanarayan added that the AIFF has consistently handled the medical treatment and rehabilitation of national team players and reportedly spent nearly 1.5 million taka on player treatment during the 2025-26 season.
Federation says preparations affected
National team director Subrata Paul criticised the late change in decision, saying it not only impacted the selected footballers but also denied opportunities to possible replacement players. AIFF sources claimed that some footballers were mentally affected by the abrupt developments.
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The federation also recalled facing similar issues in the past during the CAFA Cup and U-23 national team preparations. AIFF maintains that Mohun Bagan first informed them about not releasing players outside the FIFA window on the eve of the ISL final before finally recalling the players from camp on May 23.
