Indian football has once again plunged into uncertainty after a fresh standoff erupted between the All India Football Federation and reigning ISL champion Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Just hours before the Indian national football team was scheduled to depart for London for the Unity Cup, the Kolkata-based club reportedly instructed several of its players to leave the national camp and return home, escalating tensions between clubs and the federation.
The development has significantly disrupted the national team’s preparations. Seven players associated with Mohun Bagan skipped Saturday’s training session and were removed from the travelling squad for London. Among the footballers affected are Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, Liston Colaco, Lalengmawia, Apuia, Ralte, Manvir Singh and Suhail Ahmed Bhat. The club’s central argument is that the Unity Cup fixtures are being held outside the official FIFA international window, meaning clubs are not legally required to release players for national duty.
Clubs fear injuries before FIFA window
Mohun Bagan has maintained that the official FIFA window begins only on June 1 and believes players should not be exposed to unnecessary injury risks before that date.
Also Read । No MS Dhoni for a season: CSK’s IPL 2026 campaign ends in disappointment despite INR 8 crore profit
According to club officials, as reported by Ei Samay Online, if any footballer suffers an injury during this unofficial period, the financial and medical burden would fall on the club itself.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant withdraw their players from India camp bound to London.
— IFTWC - Indian Football (@IFTWC) May 23, 2026
The club argues that Unity Cup is being played outside FIFA window, and it is not liable to release the players. pic.twitter.com/i6WIcXW6L3
The management has reportedly informed both the federation and the players that they would not accept responsibility for injuries sustained before the FIFA window officially opens.
Federation-club tensions grow deeper
The controversy has widened further after Kerala Blasters FC also backed a similar position regarding player release. This has exposed growing friction between Indian clubs and the federation over scheduling, player workload and responsibility for injuries. While AIFF is yet to publicly provide a detailed clarification, the latest dispute has once again highlighted the fragile relationship between Indian football’s governing body and its top clubs.
